BURN

are injuries to tissues caused by heat, friction, electricity, radiation, or

chemicals.
characterized by degree, based on the severity of the tissue damage
An injury to the skin, that may go as deep as the bone, caused by the ff:
CAUSES

heat
fire (flames from matches, candles, and lighters)
radiation
sunlight
electricity burns
chemical burns
hot or boiling water
caused by even a brief encounter with heat greater than 120F (49C).
Sources of heat:
a) the sun (causing a sunburn)
b) hot liquids
c) steam
d) fire
e) electricity
f) friction (causing rug burns and rope burns), and
g) chemicals (causing a caustic burn upon contact)

SYMPTOMS
A severe burn will also blister.
The skin may also peel, appear white or charred, and feel numb.
A burn may trigger a headache and fever.
Extensive burns may induce shock
TYPES OF BURNS
1. First-degree burn:
- cause minimal skin damage also called superficial burns
- causes redness and swelling in the outermost layers of skin (epidermis).
Signs of a first-degree burn:
redness
minor inflammation, or swelling
pain
dry, peeling skin occurs as the burn heals
Treatment:
soak the wound in cool water for five minutes or longer
take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief
apply aloe vera gel or cream to soothe the skin
use an antibiotic ointment and loose gauze to protect the affected area
2. Second-degree burn:

-damage extends beyond the top layer of skin

-causes the skin to blister and become extremely red and sore
Signs of a second-degree burn:
Red, white or splotchy skin
Swelling
Pain
Blisters
Treatment:
running the skin under cool water for 15 minutes or longer
applying antibiotic cream to blisters
cover wound with a clean cloth or gauze
If the burn affects a widespread area, such as any of the following face, hands, buttocks, groin, feet go to the doctor.
3. Third-degree burn:
-They cause the most damage, extending through every layer of skin.
* Depending on the cause, the third-degree burns can exhibit include:
-waxy and white color
-char
-dark brown color
-raised and leathery texture
-blisters that do not develop
Signs of a Third-degree burn:
Difficulty breathing
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Other toxic effects, if smoke inhalation also occurred
Treatment:
Never attempt to self-treat a third-degree burn.
Call the paramedics immediately.
While youre waiting for medical treatment, raise the injury above
your heart.
Dont get undressed, but make sure no clothing is stuck to the
burn.

CLASSIFICATION

MINOR BURNS
First degree burns anywhere on the body
Second degree burns less than 2-3 inches wide
MAJOR BURNS
Third-degree burns
Second-degree burns more than 2-3 inches wide
Second-degree burns on the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, or a major
joint

What to do? A FIRST AID tutorial

FOR MINOR BURNS:

Cool the burn to help soothe the pain

Remove rings or other tight items from the burned area
Don't break small blisters
Apply moisturizer or aloe vera lotion or gel
Consider a tetanus shot.

COMPLICATIONS:
Infection. Burns can leave skin vulnerable to bacterial infection and increase
your risk of sepsis.
Low blood volume. Burns can damage blood vessels and cause fluid loss.
This may result in low blood volume (hypovolemia).
Dangerously low body temperature. The skin helps control the body's
temperature, so when a large portion of the skin is injured, you lose body
heat. This increases your risk of a dangerously low body temperature
(hypothermia).
Breathing problems. Breathing hot air or smoke can burn airways and cause
breathing (respiratory) difficulties.Scarring. Burns can cause scars and
ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids).
Bone and joint problems. Deep burns can limit movement of the bones and
joints. Scar tissue can form and cause shortening and tightening of skin,
muscles or tendons (contractures). This condition may permanently pull
joints out of position.
PREVENTION:
Install smoke detectors
Practice home fire drills. Make sure every family know how to leave any
area of the home safely
Have several working fire extinguishers readily available.
Place fire extinguishers around the home where the risk of fire is greatest,
such as in the kitchen, furnace room, and near the fireplace.
Teach your children to stop, drop, and roll on the ground if their clothing
catches fire.
Avoid smoking indoors.
Do not leave food cooking on the stove unattended.
Lower the temperature of your water heater to below 120 degrees Fahrenheit
(48.9 degrees Celsius) to prevent hot water scalds and burns.
Dont plug appliances or other electrical equipment into extension cords if
they place too much amperage or load on the cord, thus creating a
potentially unsafe situation.
Keep matches and lighters away from children, locked and out of reach.
Avoid all fireworks, even those meant for consumer use.
MALPRACTICES in treating Burns:

 Application of cold butter to the burned part of the body

Using alcohol for cleansing the burned part
Using cold meat or any other frozen products
Pricking of blisters for speedy healing
Additional info about burn:
Minor burn : 3rd degree, 2 % affected body part
-2nd degree, less than 15%
For Children:
-2nd degree, less than 10%
For Adult:
-Not more than 20%
Moderate burn: 3rd degree, 2-10% affected body part
-2nd degree, at least 15-25% of body parts
-3rd degree, 50% or more body part
-CHILDREN: secondary burn ( 10-20 %)
Critical burn: all burned, complicated with fractures
-Any burn concerned with respiratory is CRITICAL
-Tertiary burn: no pain, nerve damaged
-Primary and secondary burn: with pain