Burns
Burns are skin lesions caused by various external agents; In addition to the skin, it can affect underlying tissues located below the affected skin.
The causative agents of burns are varied and we can group them into 3 large groups:
Thermal agents are the most frequent, and cause burns by 3 mechanisms: 1. by contact, either a solid or a liquid; 2. by flame, they can be associated with lung injuries due to the inhalation of fumes from the flame; 3. by radiation, for example by ultraviolet rays in solar exposures.
Chemical agents, either acidic or alkaline substances
Electrical agents, which produce 2 types of burns: 1. by electrical flash, take place in short circuits in which there is a very high temperature but of a very short duration in time; and 2. burns with the passage of electrical current through the body.
How are they classified?
According to the depth of the burns we will talk about:
1st degree burns: they are the most superficial and affect the epidermis. The skin becomes red, inflamed, and painful.
2nd degree burns: they are those that affect, in addition to the epidermis, the dermis; In addition to redness and pain, blisters appear.
3rd degree burns: the skin is destroyed, and deep tissues located below the dermis are affected: adipose tissue, nerves, muscles, can even affect bone.
It is also important to know the extent of the area affected by the burn, so we will talk about the total percentage of burned body surface. The totality of the body surface, 100%, is distributed approximately, as follows: 9% head and neck, 18% anterior trunk; 18% posterior trunk; 9% arm; 9% front of the leg; 9% back of the leg; and finally% the genital area.
What symptoms can burns show?
Symptoms depend on the depth of the burn, so the more superficial ones will show erythema of the skin, inflammation and pain; if they are deeper, we will find blisters on the skin; In the cases where the tissues under the skin are affected, we will observe the charred skin and it will be able to. If there is a significant area of affected skin, there may be a risk of shock and dehydration, in this case the person will be pale, the skin will be cold and clammy.
In the event that the respiratory tract is affected by inhalation of smoke, the person will have changes in the voice, will have difficulty breathing with a cough, may have burned lips or burns on the head, and may have a noisy breath like whistles.
What should we and what should we not do?
In 1st degree burns and in 2nd degree burns but to a limited extent: we must place clean, cold and damp cloths on the burn. We should not put ice directly on the burn and it is preferable not to blow on the burn. Afterwards, we must clean the burn with soap and water. To relieve pain, you can take a pain reliever. It is advisable to go to the nearby health center so that the health staff can assess whether the application of any ointment is necessary, whether it is necessary to take antibiotics and whether the tetanus vaccine is required.
In the most serious burns and if someone catches fire, he must lie on the ground and roll on himself to put out the fire; we can wrap it with a blanket, rug or coat, and wet it with water. We must seek help. Burnt clothing stuck to the skin should not be removed. Afterwards, it is necessary to observe the breathing and the position of the victim, if necessary, start the CPR maneuvers until medical assistance arrives. If the burned area affects the fingers of the hands, they must be separated with sterile gauze.
(Updated at Apr 14 / 2024)