BURNS By: Jacob Miller

WHAT ARE BURNS? Burns are mild to severe wounds mostly caused by heat which causes skin damage in which most of the cells affected die.

STRUCTURES INVOLVED Levels of burns: 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree. 1st degree: minimal skin damage, called “superficial burns” because they only affect outermost layer of skin. 2nd degree: More serious then 1st degree because these reach beyond the top layer of skin mostly a few layers deep. 3rd degree: most severe burns, these go beyond the skin and can reach bloodstreams, major organs, and bones, which can lead to death. Also seek medical attention if burns happen to face, neck, or the genitals.

1st Degree Burns Sunburn: common first degree burn, caused by over exposure of UV rays from the sun. symptoms are usually reddening, blisters and peeling. Scalds: These are most common to young children (under 4) and elderly adults. Mostly caused by hot liquid spilled from a pot on the stove or the steam emitted from the pot. More serious then 1st degree because these reach beyond the top layer of skin mostly a few layers deep.

2nd Degree Burns More serious then 1st degree because these reach beyond the top layer of skin mostly a few layers deep. This type of burn can cause the skin to blister and become extremely red and sore. Seek emergency medical treatment if burn affects widespread area of face, hands, buttocks, groin, feet. Mostly thermal burns, pots on the stove, hot liquid, something that was in a fire etc.

3rd Degree Burns Most severe burns, these go beyond the skin and can reach bloodstreams, major organs, and bones, which can lead to death. With this type of burn, the damage is so extensive that you may not feel pain because your nerves are damaged. No set healing time for 3rd degree burns. Call 911 immediately. Third-degree burns carry the most risk for complications, such as infections, blood loss, and shock. All burns carry the risk of infections because bacteria can enter broken skin. Sepsis, or a bloodstream infection, can occur in the most severe cases. This can lead to shock or even death.

MECHANISM/CAUSES OF THE DISORDER Types of burns: electrical, chemical, radiation, thermal. Electrical: These burns are caused by an electrical source or by lightning. Chemical: these are caused by contact with household or industrial chemicals in a liquid, solid, or gas form. Natural foods such as chili peppers, which contain a substance irritating to the skin, can cause a burning sensation. Radiation: These burns are caused by the sun, tanning booths, sunlamps, X-rays, or radiation therapy for cancer treatment. Thermal: these are any burns caused by regular heat. Ex. Fire, steam, hot objects or liquids. Scald burns from hot liquids are the most common in older adults and young children.

SHORT TERM EFFECTS Physical, emotional, mental, etc. Radiation: effects of UV radiation is freckles and rashes. Extensive exposure to UV radiation can cause sunburn – reddening, pain and in severe cases blistering and even second degree burns. Electrical: back and blueness of skin, peeling skin, blisters, scabbing, oozing. Thermal: swelling, redness, peeling of skin, blisters, oozing. Chemical: blackened or dead skin (mainly seen in chemical burns from acid). loss of vision or changes in vision if chemicals have come into contact with eyes

LONG TERM EFFECTS Persons with severe burns may be left with a loss of certain physical abilities, including loss of limb(s), disfigurement, loss of mobility, scarring, and recurrent infections because the burned skin has decreased ability to fight infection. Burns can also cause emotional damage like nightmares, flashbacks, depression, suicidal thoughts, etc.

TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION Radiation: Take anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprophen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) or aspirin. If your skin is not blistering, moisturizing cream may be applied to relieve discomfort. If your blistering is extensive or you have a severe reactions suggestive of "sun poisoning”, including fever, chills, nausea, or rash, see your family physician.

TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION Electrical: You may treat minor electrical burns as you would other minor burns. Victims of electrical burns should always seek medical care in case of internal damage due from the surge.

TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION Thermal: Hold burned skin under cool (not cold) running water or dip in cool water until pain subsides. Cover with sterile, non-adhesive bandage or clean cloth. Seek medical attention if: You see signs of infection, like increased pain, redness, swelling, fever, or oozing.

TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION Chemical: Most people with minor chemical burns do not need to be admitted. Most can go home after arranging a follow-up with a doctor. Patients with major chemical burns need to be admitted to a hospital.

PREVENTION Radiation: Prevention of radiation burns is quite simple since most radiation burns are sunburn you can but on sun lotion, or cover up with a hat or with clothes.

PREVENTION Thermal: Don’t allow young children to play with matches or things that can cause a fire. Turn pot- handles to the inside on the stove so that toddlers and young children cannot reach up and pull them down. Set hot water in home to 120-125°F.

PREVENTION Chemical: be sure to secure all chemicals, in and out of the home, in locked cabinets or out of the reach of children. Always follow safety regulations and precautions on chemical label. Wear safety gloves clothing and eye protection when using most chemicals.

PREVENTION Electrical: Use child safety plugs in all outlets. Keep electrical cords out of children's reach. Avoid electrical hazards by following manufacturer's safety instructions when using electrical appliances.