What is Cutaneous Burns?

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Cutaneous burns, also known as thermal injuries, are one of the most common household injuries, mostly caused by hot liquids or fire.

They can be mild or life-threatening emergencies depending on the percentage of the surface of the body which is burned. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and possible complications. It varies from minor wound care to treatment in a special burn unit, including medications, wound dressings, or surgery. The recovery prognosis after small, superficial burns is usually good. The deeper the burn, the more likely it becomes that scarring will occur. Burns which cover large areas of the body are less likely to recover well.

Risks

A cutaneous burn is a damage to the skin caused by heat. Common causes are fire, hot liquids (especially in children), radiation, and ultraviolet light (like sunlight or tanning beds). The severity of burns is classified by how deep the burn is and how much of the body is affected. Cutaneous burns can affect anyone but tend to affect children and older people more commonly than teenagers and adults. Cutaneous burns are most likely occur by accident, but may also be a sign of abuse.

Symptoms

The symptoms and the appearance of a burn both depend on the degree of the burn, which is determined by the depth of the skin affected by the burn. There are three different degrees. First-degree, or superficial, burns cause red, swollen, and painful skin, which doesn’t blister. Second-degree burns cause blistering skin and the skin under the blister may be slightly numb. Third-degree burns cause the skin to turn black or white, and are usually painless due to nerve damage.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made based on the symptoms and by examining the burned skin.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the degree and the extent of the injuries. First of all, the person should be removed from the source of the heat. Small first or second-degree burns may be cooled under running water for a few minutes. People who suffer larger, more serious burns should be treated by emergency services and specialist burn units. Emergency treatment involves giving fluids, keeping the person warm, and preventing infections. Once the immediate danger has passed, the affected person may receive skin grafts to help the skin grow back and reduce scarring. Complications, such as infections in wounds, are treated with antibiotics if they occur.

Prevention

The best prevention for burns is to follow safety precautions when handling fire, hot liquids, or chemicals. This includes supervising children while cooking while bathing and at times where they could come into contact with an open flame.

Other names for cutaneous burns

• Burn
• Burns
• Chemical injury
• Scalding
• Skin burns
• Thermal injury

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**What⁣ is a Cutaneous Burn?**



**Definition**



A cutaneous burn is⁣ an injury ⁢to the skin caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation.​ Burns are classified based on their severity,​ affecting different layers of the⁣ skin, from superficial to life-threatening.



**Types of Burns**



*⁤ **First-degree burns:** Involve the epidermis, the ‌outermost layer‍ of the skin. They cause redness,‍ pain,‍ and swelling. Examples: sunburns, minor cooking burns.

*‍ **Second-degree burns:**‍ Involve ​the epidermis and part of‌ the dermis, ​the layer‍ beneath the epidermis. They cause blisters, intense pain, and redness.

* **Third-degree burns:** Extend⁢ through the ⁣entire dermis and into the underlying⁢ subcutaneous ​tissue. They appear⁤ charred, white, or blackened, and ⁢are painless ‍due to‍ nerve damage.

* **Fourth-degree burns:** Affect all skin layers and reach ⁤deep into the underlying tissues,​ including⁢ tendons, muscles, or even bone.



**Causes of Burns**



* Heat⁢ (fire, scalding liquids)

* Chemicals⁣ (acids, bases)

* Electricity

* ⁤Radiation (sunlight, X-rays)

* Friction (abrasions)



**Symptoms of Burns**



* ‌Pain

*⁣ Redness

* Swelling

* Blisters

* Charring

* Loss of sensation

* Difficulty ⁤breathing (for‍ severe burns)



**Treatment ​for Burns**



Treatment for ‌burns depends ​on their​ severity and location.



* ‍**First-aid:** Cool the burn with water, apply gauze or​ dressings, and ⁤seek medical attention.

* ⁢**Minor burns:** ⁣Can​ be treated at home with pain relievers and antiseptic dressings.

* **Moderate burns:** ​Require ⁤professional medical care, including ⁢debridement (removal of ⁢damaged tissue), antibiotics, and skin grafts.

* **Severe burns:** Need immediate hospitalization, intensive care, and specialized treatment in a burn center.



**Prevention of Burns**



* Handle heat and chemicals with care

* Avoid prolonged sun exposure

* Keep electrical cords and‌ outlets⁣ away from children

* Store flammable liquids safely

* Install smoke and carbon monoxide‍ detectors

* Learn ‌first-aid for treating burns



**Additional Information**



* **Burn severity:** Determined⁤ by ⁢the​ depth of the burn, percentage ‌of ⁣body ​area involved,⁣ and presence of complications.

* **Rule of Nines:** Helps​ estimate the percentage of body surface area affected ‌by burns.

* ⁣**Shock:** A ‍potentially ​life-threatening condition that‌ can ‍result from severe burns.

* **Infection:** A common complication ⁤of​ burns that requires‌ prompt treatment.

* **Scarring:** ⁢Can occur after healing, ⁤especially in severe burns.