burns Flashcards
what is a burn?
traumatic injury to the skin or other organic tissue primarily caused by heat or exposure to electrical discharge, friction, chemicals, and radiation
hot liquids
scalds
hot solids
contact burns
how many burns a year require medical attnetion?
1 mil
Burn Classification by depth
Superficial/Epidermal Burn (first-degree)*
Partial-thickness Burn (second-degree)*
Full-thickness Burn(third-degree)*
Deep Burn involves fascia and/or muscle (fourth-degree burns)*
Most common of burns
Full recovery is expected 3-6 days, full recovery and excellent prognoses
Tissue damage usually minimal, no scarring
Superficial/Epidermal Burn (1st Degree)
Example Sunburns
Causes minimal skin damage
Superficial/Epidermal Burn (1st Degree)
Pain, erythema (redness), slight swelling, no blisters
Superficial/Epidermal Burn (1st Degree)
Soak in cool water for 5 minutes, do not use ice
OTC analgesics for pain relief
Antibiotic ointment as needed
Superficial/Epidermal Burn (1st Degree) Intervention
Burns that go through the epidermis and reach the dermis, varying depth.
Partial-thickness Burn (2nd Degree)
Full recovery is expected, skin heals may take up to 3 weeks, skin may change color, especially with sun exposure.
Rarely need OT intervention.
Partial-thickness Burn (2nd Degree)
Skin infection may develop
Red, white or splotchy skin, swelling
Partial-thickness Burn (2nd Degree)
Blister, swelling and are generally more painful.
Partial-thickness Burn (2nd Degree)
Requires medical treatment, especially if deep or over large area, on face, neck or, over joint.
Cool injured area for 15 minutes, no ice
Use OCT analgesics
Antibiotic ointment to blistered areas
Keep wound clean and bandaged to prevent infections.
Skin will heal on its own- Skin epithelial cells are intact.
Partial-thickness Burn Treatment.
Epidermis and dermis are completely burnt.
Extensive fluid loss and metabolic effects
Full-thickness Burn (3rd Degree)
No pain in immediate area, possibly adjacent areas if burnt at 2nd degree.
Affected area may appear white (like burned charcoal)
Full-thickness Burn (3rd Degree)
Waxy, white color, may be charred or dark brown
Raised leathery texture
Full-thickness Burn (3rd Degree)
Requires medical intervention, hospitalization
In some case “specialized burn units”
Skin grafts are required.
Other surgeries may be required in Rehab stage.
LT Physical and psychological implications.
Long term rehab is needed.
OT can intervene at all 4 stages of Burn Rehab.
the skin graft covers the wound and attaches itself to the cells beneath and begins to grow in its new location.
Full thickness Treatment Cont.
Goes through all layers of skin and damages muscle, bones, nerves, and fat lying underneath
There is no pain due to nerve damage
Recovery depends on extent of damage.
Deep Burn (4th degree burn)
Causes of Burn
Boiling liquids: water, steam & other liquids,
Dry burns: flame, house fires, car fires etc
Chemical burns, Cleaning supplies, household chemicals
Electrical burns
Friction burns
Sunburn/radiation
Explosions, Fireworks
Mechanical/friction