BurnsTalya Dressler

Anatomy and PhysiologyBlock 2

Degrees of Burns There are 3 degrees of burns:o First degree burnso Second degree burnso Third degree burns

First Degree Burns

• This is damage to the epidermis only.

• These burns are not extremely serious.

• Characterized by redness, often some swelling, and sometimes pain.

• These burns do not require emergency medical attention unless the burn is on skin above a joint or on a delicate skin part.

Second degree burns

• Involve multiple layers of skin.

• These burns blister and do not heal as quickly as first degree burns.

• Scarring usually occurs.• May need surgery to fix

scars and tissue damage.• The severity of a second

degree burn can increase the risk of infection and complications

Third Degree Burns

• The most severe of all burns.• Damage or destruction of all

layers of skin occurs and it may also damage underlying bone, muscle, nerve, and fat.

• Need immediate and thorough medical care

• Result in scar tissue, chronic pain, and other conditions.

• Most life threatening.• May have many

complications.

There are many types of burns

Chemical burns Electrical burns Thermal burns Radiation burns Friction burns Sunburns

Chemical Burns Most caused by strong

acids or strong bases. Leads to scarring and

possibly disabilities. Most occur accidentally

because of a misuse of a product (bleach, chlorine, etc.)

Greater risk of a chemical burn at the workplace as apposed to the household.

Tend to be relatively small but can cause deep tissue damage unseen at the surface.

Electrical Burns Can appear minor or not show

at all on the skin, but can have extensive deep tissue damage below the skin.

Internal damage can be caused by a strong enough shock (ex: cardiac arrest)

Have a mortality rate of 3-5% Adults tend to get electrical

burns at the workplace Children tend to get burned at

home Damage can range from very

minor to severe, with complications, to death.

Thermal Burns These are the most

common type of burn. Children are particularly at

risk to accidental thermal burns.

Result from any heated source (flame, scald, contact from a hot object)

Frequently because of fires, car accidents, matches/lighters, improperly stored gasoline and kitchen accidents

Range from superficial damage to damage of all layers of the skin and underlying tissue.

Radiation Burns Caused by overexposure to

radiation. X-rays or other types of

radiation used in medicine are involved.

Mostly seen in cancer patients using radiation therapy.

Includes severe sunburns because UV waves are considered radiation.

Friction Burns Caused by contact with a

hard surface Usually a combination of a

scrape and a thermal burn. Common in athletes and

motorcycle riders Tend to be minor Can be prevented with

protective clothing

Sunburns Almost everyone has been

sunburned at one point in time.

Results from excessive sun exposure.

Causes skin inflammation. Can begin within 30

minutes of being in the sun.

Very rarely fatal. Can be minor (redness and

tenderness) or can be severe (blisters and a burning sensation)

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