Burns - Picture, Symptoms, Cause and Treatment of Burns
What is Burns?Burns are damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by dry heat, and scalds are similar injuries caused by wet heat. Formerly, burns were categorized by degrees (first, second and third) but are now usually described either as superficial, where sufficient tissue remains to ensure that the skin regrows, or deep, where grafting will be necessary. People commonly affected by BurnsAll age groups and both sexes. Part of body involved with BurnsSkin and underlying tissues. Symptoms of BurnsSymptoms depend on the severity of the burn or scald. If it is relatively minor, there is pain and reddening of the skin, which may later blister or become white and peel off. In more severe burns there are raw wounds from which the skin peels off with a loss of fluid from the injury. Severe wounds of this nature can lead to shock and death, due to fluid loss at the burn site, and infection. All but the most minor burns should be seen by a doctor. In the case of extensive or severe burns and scalds, emergency medical help should be called. Treatment of BurnsDepends on the nature and severity of the burn or scald. Minor injuries can be effectively treated by running the affected part under cold water and then covering it with a dressing if needed. Slightly more severe burns should be treated by a doctor and require careful dressing and the use of antiseptics and antibiotics to combat likely infection. Serious and extensive burns are life-threatening and require emergency treatment, the most important part of which is transfusions to counter the fluid loss and maintain the circulation. The person is usually given strong pain relief, such as morphine, and antiseptics and antibiotics are needed to combat infection. Recovery is usually slow, and once the critical period is past, the person is likely to require skin grafting. The greater the extent of the burns and their depth, the poorer the chances of survival, and children and elderly persons are especially vulnerable. Chemical burns require special treatment to counteract the effects of the chemical involved. Cause of BurnsB urns are caused by dry heat such as fire, sunburn, hot oil or fat in cooking, and also electrical currents and chemicals. Scalds are caused by very hot or boiling water and steam. Small children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to the risk of accidental burns in the home. Hence, the aim should be one of prevention and vigilance to eliminate areas of risk e.g. use of fireguards, cooker guards, safety kettles kept out of reach, fire-retardant clothing, installing smoke alarms and general awareness of fire danger. |
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