BURN INJURIES

BURNS – Burns are injuries, which result from exposure to extreme heat, flame, inhalation, and scalding, chemical or electrical trauma. Burns can produce clinical syndromes ranging from self –limiting injury to long term incapacitation and finally death. Disease forms:- a. First - degree burn – superficial layer of dermis is involved, which is red, dry and painful. b. Second-degree burn – superficial layers of dermis is involved and is red, wet and very painful. c. Third and Fourth-degree burns – in third degree superficial layer of dermis and in fourth degree subcutaneous layers, bone and tendons are involved. Appearance is waxy and leathery and is less painful than first or second. These degree burns causes a great risk of wound sepsis, coagulation disorders, ventilator compromise or abdominal problems. Clinical signs depend on the location and extent of the burn and may vary from hypothermia, shock, and dyspnoea, pharyngeal and laryngeal oedema, corneal trauma. Diagnosis can be made on the basis of CBC, serum profile, coagulation panel, radiographs and culture. Prognosis is generally good with first and second degree burns and more guarded with third and fourth degree burns. Prognosis improves with appropriate and successful wound management.