Burns

BURNS

Anatomy & Physiology

There are different types of burns and categorized based on the severity of the skin or tissue damage. Primarily based on the number of skin layers affected throughout the body such as the epidermis, which is the outermost layer; dermis, which is the middle layer or subcutaneous level, which is the tissue lying beneath.

There are three types of burn injury 1st degree, 2nd degree and 3rd degree burns. First-degree burns consist of damage to the epidermis tissue the top layer of the skin. This type of burn does not leave significant damage to the skin. First-degree burns leave redness, swelling, and peeling skin. First-degree burns are sensitive to touch and turn the area touched white. Sunburns are the most common 1st degree burns. First-degree burns are also often the result of contact with fire, stovetop burners, scalding hot water and appliances such as curling irons or irons for ironing clothing.

Second-degree burns affect both the epidermis and the dermis. They are classified as Superficial partial thickness burns cause blistering and are painful or deep partial thickness burns that are dry and may appear ivory or pearly white. They take longer to heal and usually produce some scarring. Skin grafts are usually recommended for these types of burns. They typically heal within three weeks with minimal scarring. They often affect the sweat glands and hair follicles as well.

Third degree burns affect the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. Third-degree burns may also damage the underlying bones, muscles, and tendons. Third degree burns destroy the first and second layers of the skin. They are dry, with a dark brown appearance. Most of these burns are best treated with early removal of the dead tissue, skin grafting and long-term use of compression therapy to minimize scarring. The vessels just below the skin surface become coagulated. The affected area...