My dad has severe burns?
K L A burn injury is the destruction of different layers of the skin and the structures within the skin, such as sweat glands, oil glands, and hair follicles. The following are four classifications of burns:1. First-degree burn. This minor burn affects only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). It causes redness and pain […]
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A burn injury is the destruction of different layers of the skin and the structures within the skin, such as sweat glands, oil glands, and hair follicles.
The following are four classifications of burns:
1. First-degree burn. This minor burn affects only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). It causes redness and pain and usually resolves with first-aid measures within several days to a week. Sunburn is a classic example.
2. Second-degree burn. These burns affect both the epidermis and the second layer of skin (dermis), causing redness, pain and swelling. A second-degree burn often looks wet or moist. Blisters may develop and pain can be severe. Deep second-degree burns can cause scarring.
3. Third-degree burn. Burns that reach into the fat layer beneath the dermis are called third-degree burns. The skin may appear stiff, waxy white, leathery or tan. Third-degree burns can destroy nerves, causing numbness.
4. Fourth-degree burn. The most severe form of burn which affects structures well beyond the skin, such as muscle and bones. The skin may appear blackened or charred. If nerve damage is substantial, you may feel no pain at all.
Deep or widespread burns can lead to many complications, including:
1. Infection. Burns can leave skin vulnerable to bacterial infection and increase your risk of sepsis, a life-threatening infection that travels through your bloodstream and affects your whole body. Sepsis is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening condition that can cause shock and organ failure.
2. Low blood volume (hypovolemia). Burns can damage blood vessels and cause fluid loss. This may result in low blood volume (hypovolemia). Severe blood fluid loss and prevent the heart from pumping enough blood to the body.
3. Dangerously low body temperature (hypothermia). 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 hypothermia – when the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature.
4. Breathing (respiratory) problems. Breathing hot air or smoke can burn airways and cause breathing difficulties. Smoke inhalation damages the lungs and can cause respiratory failure.
5. Scarring. Burns can cause scars and keloids – ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue.
6. Bone and joint problems. Deep burns can limit movement of the bones and joints. Scar tissue can form and cause contractures, when skin, muscles or tendons shorten and tighten they permanently pull joints out of position.
Many substances can cause burns, including:
1. Fire
2. Hot liquid or steam
3. Hot metal, glass or other objects
4. Electrical currents
5. Radiation from X-rays or radiation therapy to treat cancer
6. Sunlight or ultraviolet light from a sunlamp or tanning bed
7. Chemicals such as strong acids, lye, paint thinner or gasoline
What to do if one get burned
Flames
1. Cool the burn area with cool water. DO NOT USE ICE .
2. Remove non-sticking burned clothing.
3. Cover the burn with a clean, dry bandage.
4. Seek medical attention immediately.
Scalds:
1. Remove hot, wet clothes.
2. Cool the burn area with cool water. DO NOT USE ICE.
3. Cover the burn with a clean, dry dressing.
4. Seek medical attention immediately.
Contact burn (hot surface area, i.e., hot iron):
1. Cool the burn area with cool water. DO NOT USE ICE.
2. Cover the burn with a clean, dry dressing.
3. Keep the person warm.
Electrical Burn:
1. DO NOT TOUCH a person in contact with electricity. Injury could result.
2. Disconnect the source of power or call the power company.
3. After the power is off, provide medical assistance.