Burns refer to the injury to the body caused by extreme heat or cold, electricity or chemicals. Burns caused by extreme heat or fire occur more commonly than those caused due to electricity or chemicals. Immediate medical attention is required to prevent further damage and complications.
Burns are categorized as thermal, electrical and chemical burns based on the cause of the injury. Injuries caused due to extreme heat or fire is included in the thermal injury while those caused due to electricity, chemicals,
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Types of Burns...
Burns are usually caused by fire, boiling water, hot objects or oil and electrical shocks. Most individuals are injured due to incidences such as accidental fire breakouts at home or outside, and accidental contact with hot
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Causes of Burns...
Signs and Symptoms of Burns
The signs and symptoms of burn injuries to the body vary with the severity of the burn. First-degree burn causes redness (erythema) and swelling of the skin while second degree burn injuries result in pain and formation of
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Signs of Burns...
Diagnosis of Burns
Burns are diagnosed based on the signs and symptoms observed and physical examination. The degree of burns and the severity of the condition are determined based on the extent of damage observed.
Treatment of Burns
The area with very mild type of burns should first be held under running cold water or soaked in cold water for about 5 min. The burnt area can also be covered with a clean, wet cloth for a few minutes. Following this, the area
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Treatment of Burns...
Complications of Burns
The complications may vary from mild infections at the injured site to life-threatening situations such as heart attack. The injury may involve various organs of the body and present with corresponding complications based on the effect of the injury over the functioning of that particular organ. This includes disturbances in the mental stability, circulation, heart function, eyes and ears, kidney function and the musculoskeletal system. Another complication is the formation of scars over the healing areas, which may be a cosmetic complication or may also result in physical disability.
Prevention for Burns
All inflammable and harmful chemical substances must be properly labeled and safely stored away from the reach of children. Proper safety precautions must be followed at work place and home while handling such substances. All electrical appliances must be carefully used and the electrical attachments must be fixed properly.
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Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: January 08, 2009