What are the complications of burns?

My dad suffered burns last week and it has eaten up all his skin. I will like to have detailed information about burns, symptoms, complications and remedy. Kennedy U A burn injury is the destruction of the different layers of the skin and the structures within the skin, such as sweat glands, oil glands, and […]

My dad suffered burns last week and it has eaten up all his skin. I will like to have detailed information about burns, symptoms, complications and remedy.

Kennedy U

A burn injury is the destruction of the different layers of the skin and the structures within the skin, such as sweat glands, oil glands, and hair follicles. Heat generated from fire or heat source and the amount of time the skin is exposed to the heat is what damages the skin. The depth of injury is described as a first, second, or third degree burn.
The following are four classifications of burns:
First-degree burns
 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.
Second-degree burns
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.
Third-degree burns
 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.
Fourth-degree burns
 The most severe form of burns 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.
2. Low blood volume (hypovolemia). Burns can damage blood vessels and cause fluid loss.
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.
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.
When to see a doctor
While minor burns can be cared for at home, call your doctor if you experience:
1. Increased pain, swelling, redness or discharge in the burned area
2. A burn that doesn’t heal in several weeks
3. New, unexplained symptoms
4. Seek emergency medical assistance for:
5. Burns that cover the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or a major joint
6. Chemical or electrical burns
7. Third- or fourth-degree burns
8. Difficulty breathing or burns to the airway
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.