Only the epidermis can regenerate itself. A burn is also a break in the skin, and the risk of infection exists both at the site of the injury and potentially throughout the body. Moreover, the skin is the body's first defense against infection by microorganisms. Regardless of the type of burn, inflammation and fluid accumulation in and around the wound occur. Similarly, second-degree burns may evolve into third-degree burns. ![]() Think of a sunburn that blisters the next day. Over a few hours, a first-degree burn may involve deeper structures and become second-degree. Because the nerves and blood vessels are damaged, third-degree burns appear white and leathery and tend to be relatively painless.īurns are not static and may mature. Third-degree burns are deeper still, involving all layers of the skin, in effect killing that area of skin.Second-degree burns are deeper and, in addition to the pain, redness, and inflammation, blistering of the skin also occurs.The skin may be very tender to the touch. The inflammation is characterized by pain, redness, and a mild amount of swelling. Sunburns often are categorized as first-degree burns. First-degree burns are superficial and cause local inflammation of the skin.See Answerīurns are classified based on their depth. QUESTION Emotional trauma is best described as a psychological response to a deeply distressing or life-threatening experience. As the burn matures, the skin may scar and shorten, preventing the full range of motion of the body area. Burns to areas of the body with flexion creases, like the palm, the back of the knee, the face, and the groin may need specialized care. If circumferential burns occur to arms, legs, fingers, or toes, the same constriction may not allow blood flow and put the survival of the extremity at risk. If there are circumferential burns to the chest, as the burn progresses, the tissue involved may not allow enough movement of the chest wall to allow adequate breathing to occur.If the burn involves the face, nose, mouth, or neck, there is a risk that there will be inhalation injury and enough inflammation and swelling to obstruct the airway and cause breathing problems.Patients with burns involving less than 20% of their body should do well, but those with burns involving greater than 50% have a significant mortality risk, depending upon a variety of factors, including underlying medical conditions and age.īurn location is an important consideration. As the percentage of burn surface area increases, the risk of death increases as well. Shock may occur if inadequate fluid is not provided intravenously. If more than 15%-20% of the body is involved in a burn, significant fluid may be lost. While first-degree burns are painful, the skin integrity is intact and it can do its job with fluid and temperature maintenance. Only second and third-degree burn areas are added together to measure the total body burn area. Each leg = 18% total (front = 9%, back = 9%)Īs an example, if both legs (18% x 2 = 36%), the groin (1%), and the front chest and abdomen were burned, this would involve 55% of the body.This calculation is based upon the fact that the surface area of the following parts of an adult body each corresponds to approximately 9% of the total (and the total body area of 100% is achieved): The "rule of nines" is often used and adjusted for infants and children. Burns are measured as a percentage of the total body area affected. ![]() In addition to the depth of the burn, the total surface area of the burn is significant.
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