Burns Injury

Question 1

Define Burns Injuries and what are the 3 main types

Answer 1

Very common injury that predominantly affects the skin and superficial tissues, caused by heat from liquids, flames, electrical current or chemicals

Three types: Thermal, electrical and chemical

Question 2

Aetiology of Thermal Burns Injuries

Answer 2

Caused by heat, from hot liquids, flames or contact with heated objects

70% of burns in young children is caused by scalding from liquids

In older children and young adults, flame injuries are most likely

In older adults, scalds and cooking accidents are most common

Question 3

Aetiology of Electrical Burns Injuries

Answer 3

Caused by low, intermediate and high voltage exposures, producing a variety of local and systemic injuries

Question 4

Aetiology of Chemical Burns Injuries

Answer 4

Caused by exposure to industrial or household chemical products

Question 5

Pathophysiology of Burns injuries

Answer 5

Following the burn, there is a local response with progressive tissue loss and release of inflammatory cytokines.

Systemically, there are cardiovascular effects resulting from fluid loss and sequestration of fluid into the third space.

There is a marked catabolic response.

Immunosuppression is common with large burns and bacterial translocation from the gut lumen is a recognised event. Sepsis is a common cause of death following major burns.

Question 6

Symptoms and signs of Burns Injuries

Answer 6

Erythema
Dry/wet and painful burn
Dry and insensate burns
Cellulitis - redness, swelling, pain
Burns that affect the subcutaneous tissue, tendon or bone
Blurred vision/clouded cornea

Question 7

Classification for Burns Injuries

Answer 7

Superficial epidermal (First degree): Red and painful

Partial thickness (superficial dermal): Pale pink, painful, blistered

Partial thickness (deep dermal): Typically white but may have patches of non-blanching erythema. Reduced sensation

Full thickness (Third degree): White/brown/black in colour, no blisters, no pain