Burns

Pathophysiology Course

Types & Causes

As you know the skin is made of 3 layers - Epidermis,
Burn injuries caused by direct tissue damage Dermis, & subcutaneous tissue (that fatty bubble
from exposure to: looking tissue) under the skin we find fascia, muscle,
• Sun & bone.
• Chemicals
• Thermal (boiling liquids)
• Electricity Epidermis

Dermis

Subcutaneous tissue

First-degree (superficial)
• Dry with blanchable redness ! !
Second-degree (partial thickness) ! !
• Painful Blisters NCLEX TIP ! !
!
• “Red, moist, shiny fluid filled vesicles”

Third-degree (full-thickness)
!
• Dry waxy white, leathery, or charred ! ! !
black color, Non-blanchable
! !
! !
Fourth-degree (full-thickness) ! !

Care for Minor Burns

Prehospital Care
C C C
ANTIBIOTIC
OINTMENT

Cool water Cover the area Clothing removal C - Cool water

� Briefly soak area
• NO ice, creams, antibiotic !

ointment to open skin !

!

C - Cover area “Clean dry cloth”

HCP remove anything
sticking to the skin

C - Clothing & Jewelry removal

• Not adhered

Notes