Burn

Burn: types, causes, consequences and first aid

A burn is tissue damage caused by local thermal (thermal), chemical, electrical or radiation exposure. In clinical practice, the most common are thermal burns, which can have varying degrees of severity and distribution. In this article we will look at the types of burns, their causes, consequences and first aid for burns.

Types of burns

Burns are divided into 4 degrees:

I degree (erythema) – skin redness, swelling and pain. Inflammatory phenomena subside after 3-6 days, leaving only peeling of the skin.

II degree (formation of blisters) – severe pain with intense redness, detachment of the epidermis with the formation of blisters filled with clear or slightly cloudy liquid. There is no damage to the deep layers of the skin, and if there is no infection, after a week all layers of the skin are restored without scar formation. Full recovery occurs in 10-15 days.

III degree: a) necrosis covers the thickness of the skin to the germ layer (independent epithelization is possible); b) necrosis of the entire thickness of the skin (independent healing is possible only with minor burns due to marginal epithelization). A dense scab forms, under which there are damaged tissues. Healing occurs by secondary intention with the formation of a rough scar.

IV degree (charring) – occurs when tissue is exposed to very high temperatures (flame, molten metal, etc.). More often these are fires due to accidents on vehicles, airplanes, and accidents in mines. There is damage to muscles, tendons, and bones. If the upper or lower limb is affected, the victim’s life can only be saved by timely amputation.

Causes of burns

Burns can be caused by various reasons, such as:

1. Contact with hot surfaces, boiling water, steam, molten metal, fire, etc.
2. Chemical exposure to acids, alkalis, solvents and other aggressive substances.
3. Electric current that can cause burns of varying severity.
4. Radiation exposure, which can lead to burns to the skin and other tissues.

Consequences of burns

The degree and extent of the burn determine its severity and possible consequences at the time. The most common complications of burns are:

1. Infections that can occur due to damage to the skin's protective barrier and disruption of its integrity.
2. Sepsis, which can develop as a result of infection and lead to a life-threatening condition.
3. Shock, which can occur due to the large loss of fluid and electrolytes as a result of the burn.
4. Impaired functions of organs that may be damaged as a result of a burn.
5. Permanent changes in the appearance of the skin, such as scars, pigmentation and other imperfections.

First aid for burns

In case of burns, first aid must be provided immediately to prevent possible complications and reduce the severity of the damage. The following are basic first aid measures for burns:

1. Cool the burn area with cold water (not ice) for 10-20 minutes.
2. Remove clothing, jewelry and other objects that may be pressing on the burn surface.
3. Cover the burn with a tight-fitting clean cloth (such as gauze) to prevent infection.
4. Assess the severity of the burn and call an ambulance if the burn is severe or affects a large area of ​​skin.
5. If your eyes are burned, rinse them with clean water for 10-20 minutes and consult a doctor immediately.
6. Do not use ointments, creams or other medications without consulting a doctor.

In conclusion, burns can have serious consequences and require immediate first aid. In the event of a burn, immediate measures should be taken to cool the injured area, assess the severity of the burn and call an ambulance if necessary.

Burns are one of the most dangerous and unpleasant types of injuries that can occur in the life of every person. They can be caused by a variety of things, including exposure to hot liquids, electricity, or chemicals. In this article we will look at the main types of burns and their symptoms.