Transcript Burns
Types of Burns • Thermal • Chemical • Electrical • Energy (laser, welding, etc. • The most important function of the skin is to act as a barrier against infection. The skin prevents loss of body fluids, thus preventing dehydration. • When the skin is burned, these functions are impaired or lost completely. • Because of the importance of the skin, it becomes clear that injury can be traumatic and life threatening. The skin, the largest organ of the body, consists of two layers-the epidermis and dermis. The depth or degree of burn depends on which layers of skin are damaged or destroyed. The epidermis is the outer layer that forms the protective covering. The thicker or inner layer of the dermis contains blood vessels, hair follicles, nerve endings, sweat and sebaceous glands. When the dermis is destroyed, so are the nerve endings that allow a person to feel pain, temperature, and tactile sensation. 1. First degree burn: affects only the epidermis 2. Second degree burn: affects epidermis and upper part of the dermis 3. 3rd degree burn: affects epidermis, all of the dermis and into the tissue below 4. 4th degree burn: affects the same area as 3rd degree and continues down to muscle Burn Scoring: This measures the percentage of the body burned. First aid for minor burns • Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cold running water for at least five minutes, or until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cold water or cool it with cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Don't put ice on the burn. • Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. First Aid for Major Burns • Dial 911 • Don't remove burnt clothing. However, do make sure the victim is no longer in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat. • Don't immerse large severe burns in cold water. Doing so could cause shock. • Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). • Elevate the burned body part or parts. Raise above heart level, when possible. • Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist, sterile bandage; clean, moist cloth; or moist towels.