Pain Caused By Burns
Pain managementfor burnscan be difficult since burns differ in type and severity. There are
three types of burns:
•
First-degree burns
are considered mild compared to other burns. They result in painand reddening of the epidermis (outer layer of the skin).
•
Second-degree burns
affect the epidermis and the dermis (lower layer of skin). Theycause pain,redness, swelling, and blistering.
•
Third-degree burns
go through the dermis and affect deeper tissues. They result inwhite or blackened, charred skin that may be numb.
What Causes Burns?
Dry heat (such as fire), wet heat (such as steam or hot liquids), radiation, friction, heatedobjects, the sun, electricity, or chemicals can all cause burns. Thermal burns are the mostcommon kind of burns. These burns occur when flames, hot metals, scalding liquids, or steamcome in contact with skin as a result of many different circumstances including house fires,vehicle accidents, kitchen accidents, and electrical malfunctions.
What Are the Symptoms of Burns?
•
Blisters
•
Pain (The degree of pain is not related to the severity of the burn as the most serious burns can be painless.)
•
Peeling skin
•
Red skin
•
Shock (Symptoms of shock include pale and clammy skin, weakness, bluish lips andfingernails, and a drop in alertness.)
•
Swelling
•
White or charred skin
Treatment of Burns
Burn treatment depends on the type of burn. First-degree burns may be treated with skin care products like aloe vera cream or an antibiotic ointment and pain medication such asacetaminophen (Tylenol).Second-degree burns may be treated with an antibiotic cream or other creams or ointments prescribed by a doctor.The treatment of third-degree burns may require the process of skin grafting or the use of synthetic skin. Severe burns covering large parts of the body may need more intensivetreatments such as I.V. antibiotics to prevent infection or I.V. fluids to replace fluids lostwhen skin was burned.
Managing Burn Pain
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| Upload Date: | 10/12/2009 |
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