Tissue damage resulting from contact with heat, electricity, chemicals or radiation. Burns are classified according to the severity of damage to the skin. A 1st-degree burn causes reddening of the skin and affects only the epidermis, the top layer of the skin. A 2nd-degree burn damages the skin more deeply, extending into the dermis and causing blister formation. A 3rd-degree burn destroys the full skin thickness and may extend to the muscle layer beneath the skin. Specialist treatment, and possibly skin grafts, is necessary for 3rd-degree burns. Electrical burns can cause extensive tissue damage with minimal external skin damage. A 2ndor 3rd-degree burn that affects more than 10 per cent of the body surface causes shock due to massive fluid loss. A burn is covered with a non-stick dressing to keep the area moist. If necessary, analgesic drugs are given, and antibiotic drugs are prescribed if there is any sign of infection. For extensive 2nddegree burns, when there may be slow healing or a fear of infection, a topical antibacterial agent such as silver sulphadiazine is used. Skin grafts are used early in treatment to minimize scarring. 3rd-degree burns always require skin grafting. Extensive burns may require repeated plastic surgery.
Burns |
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