Description of Burn Wound Lubbock, Texas

Burns is one of the most common and devastating forms of trauma. Patients with serious thermal injury require immediate specialized care in order to minimize morbidity and mortality.

The Southwest Wound care center describes a burn injury as a complex trauma needing multidisciplinary and continuous therapy. Most non-complex burn injuries will heal spontaneously with conservative treatment.

Burns is a type of painful wound caused by thermal, electrical, chemical, or electromagnetic energy. Smoking and open flame are the leading causes of burn injury for older adults. Scalding is the leading cause of burn injury for children. Both infants and older adults are at the greatest risk of burn injury.

First-degree burn wound

First degree burns are painful because they affect the top layer of skin, called the epidermis, which is meant to be a protective covering. This protection keeps our temperature stable, keeps fluid inside the skin layers, and keeps the body protected from infectious agents.

Second-degree burn wound

Second-degree burn damages the top layer and some underlying layers of skin. A second-degree burn is a more serious burn. Second-degree burns look similar to a first-degree burn, but in this case, the damage has caused blistering of the skin, with the pain usually being more intense.

Third-degree burn wound

Third-degree burn damages all layers of skin and the underlying fat, muscle, or bone. Third-degree burns extend to the lower levels underneath the epidermis and the dermis levels of the skin. Third-degree burns are also called full-thickness burns, as they extend beneath the top layer to the hypodermis or subcutaneous areas of the skin.

Causes of Burns Wound

There are have some causes of the burn wounds. They are;

Hot Water

Burns from hot water, or scalding injuries, are the leading cause of burns in small children. A pot of water boiling on the stove can be spilled, resulting in very severe injuries that require emergency medical treatment or a visit to the emergency room. In serious cases, scalding injuries can be fatal.

Fire

One of the most common causes of burns is direct or indirect exposure to open flames. Whether the exposure is caused by a campfire or a stove burner, even brief exposure to open flames can result in serious burn injuries.

Heat

Exposure to high levels of heat can result in burns. Open flames do not have to be present for it to occur. Prolonged exposure to high heat levels can result in dehydration and burned or blistered skin.

Sun Exposure

Direct sunlight is responsible for one of the most common types of burns: sunburns. People with light-colored skin can become sunburned after only a few minutes in direct sunlight. Although sunburns are usually minor, certain medications and health conditions can make direct sunlight exposure potentially severe.

Taking care of Burn Wound

There is having some caring burn wound treatment. 

They are;

• When you clean the burned area, wash it gently with mild soap and warm water. Don’t use deodorant soap.
• Check for any changes or signs of infection, like pus, swelling, or increased redness.
• The doctor recommended using an antibiotic ointment, use a clean cotton swab to put a thin layer of the ointment on the burn. Don’t touch the tube of antibiotic cream to the burned area. If you need more cream or ointment, use a new cotton swab.
• Need to cover the burn, cover it with a sterile non-stick bandage.
• Protect the burn from pressure and friction.
• Don’t bump the burned area. Try to use it less than you normally would. This can help it heal.
• Drink enough water or juice to prevent dehydration.
• Avoid exposure to sun and to extreme hot and cold temperatures.

Treatment Reference