Overview of burn wound treatment, Lubbock, Texas.

Burn injuries are caused by fires or flames, hot liquids or steam, contact with a hot object, or agents like grease or tar, chemicals, or electricity.

If you go to a doctor for burn treatment, he or she will assess the severity of your burn by examining your skin. He or she may recommend that you be transferred to a burn center if your burn covers more than 10 percent of your total body surface area, is very deep is on the face, feet, or groin, or meets other criteria established by the American Burn Association.

The burn depth depends on how hot the agent was and how long the burned area was in contact with the agent and how thick the skin is in the area. There are three levels of a burn injury:

First-degree burns

A first-degree burn is called the epidermis. It considered the least severe because it only affects the outer layer of skin. These burns cause minor damage to the skin. The skin may be red and tender or swollen. An example would be a mild sunburn that turns red, swells, and may peel. First-degree burns can generally be treated at home.

Second-degree burns

Second-degree burns are also called partial-thickness burns. These burns go through the second layer of skin, called the dermis. These burns cause pain, redness, white, wet, and shiny skin blisters and are often painful.

The injury may ooze or bleed. They usually heal within 1 to 3 weeks. After healing, the skin may be discolored. These burns generally do not leave raised scars.

Third-degree burns

Third-degree burns are also called full-thickness burns. These burns damage both layers of the skin and may also damage the underlying bones, muscles, and tendons. Injured skin may turn white, black, and/or gray. It may feel dry and leathery. Sometimes there is no pain because the nerve endings under the skin are destroyed.

Symptoms of third-degree burn include:

· waxy, white-colored skin

· char

· dark brown color

· raised and leathery texture

Burns caused by an electrical shock is also too risky for home treatment. These burns often reach layers under the skin and can even cause damage to internal tissues. The internal damage may be worse than you expect.

When to see a doctor

It’s important to recognize when a burn can be treated at home and when you need to seek medical care. You should seek help from a doctor if:

· a burn affects a widespread area more than 3 inches in diameter

· the burn includes the face, hands, buttocks, or groin area

· the wound becomes painful or smelly

· you develop a high temperature

· you think you have a third-degree burn

· if your last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago

Third-degree burns should never be treated at home. They carry the risk of serious complications, including infections, blood loss, and shock.

Often referred to as a full-thickness burn, a third-degree burn reaches underlying tissues and can even damage the nerves.

Treatment Options for Burn Wound

After you have received first aid for a major burn, medical care may include medications and products that are intended to encourage healing.

Water-based treatments.

Your care team may use techniques such as ultrasound mist therapy to clean and stimulate the wound tissue.

Fluids to prevent dehydration.

You may need intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration and organ failure.

Pain and anxiety medications.

Healing burns can be incredibly painful. You may need morphine and anti-anxiety medications, particularly for dressing changes.

Burn creams and ointments.

If you are not being transferred to a burn center, your care team may select from a variety of topical products for wound healing, such as bacitracin and silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene). This helps prevents infection and prepare the wound to close.

Dressings.

Your care team may also use various specialty wound dressings to prepare the wound to heal. If you are being transferred to a burn center, your wound will likely be covered in dry gauze only.

Treatment Reference