Burns (Plastic Surgery)

Acute

What is Burns?

A burn is an injury to the skin or other organic tissue primarily caused by heat or due to radiation, radioactivity, electricity, friction or contact with chemicals. Thermal (heat) burns occur when some or all the cells in the skin or other tissues are destroyed by: hot liquids

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  • Blisters that are either intact (unbroken) or have ruptured and are leaking fluid.
  • Pain -- How much pain you have is unrelated to the level of burn.
  • Peeling skin.
  • Shock -- Watch for pale and clammy skin, weakness, blue lips and fingernails, and a decrease in alertness.
  • Swelling.
  • Red, white, or charred skin.
  • Bacterial infection, which may lead to a bloodstream infection (sepsis)
  • Fluid loss, including low blood volume (hypovolemia)
  • Dangerously low body temperature (hypothermia)
  • Breathing problems from the intake of hot air or smoke.
  • Scars or ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids)
  • Fire.
  • Hot liquid or steam.
  • Hot metal, glass, or other objects.
  • Electrical currents.
  • Radiation, such as that from X-rays.
  • Sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet radiation, such as a tanning bed.
  • Chemicals such as strong acids, lye, paint thinner, or gasoline.
  • Abuse.

Thermal sources, including fire, hot liquids, steam and contact with hot surfaces, are the most common causes of burns. Other causes include exposure to: Chemicals, such as cement, acids or drain cleaners.

Always keep kids 3 feet away from fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. Radiators and electric baseboard heaters also might need to be screened. Teach kids never to put anything into the fireplace when it is lit. Also make sure they know the doors to the fireplace can be very hot and cause a burn.

How is it diagnosed?

How is it diagnosed?

Left untreated, a burn can lead to infection. Treatment depends on the severitySunburn and small scalds can often be treated at home. Deep or widespread burns and chemical or electrical burns need immediate medical care, often at specialized burn units.

How is it treated?

Treatment for acute myeloid leukemia is vital. It varies with the patient and stage of the disease. Treatment options include

  • Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water or apply a cool, wet compress until the pain eases.
  • Remove rings or other tight items.
  • Don't break blisters.
  • Apply lotion.
  • Bandage the burn.
  • Take a pain reliever.
  • Consider a tetanus shot.

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