Burns

Description The body's reac...

Description

The body's reaction to heat, radiation, electricity or chemicals which causes damage to the skin and sometimes organs. Electrical and radiation burns may involve tissues underneath the skin, such as the intestinal tract, nerves, spinal cord, heart and brain. Burns caused by contact involve primarily the skin. They can be superficial or destroy all layers of the skin. Any burn that causes singed nasal hairs or the coughing up of darkish sputum requires immediate medical treatment since the respiratory tract may be injured. Burns involving larger areas of the body can result in a great deal of fluid being lost and result in life threatening dehydration. Potential injury is greatest with infants, young children and the elderly.

Symptoms

Injury to the skin causes: pain, redness, blistering, dehydration and a skin infection. Injury to the respiratory tract causes: cough, singed nasal hairs, shortness of breath, wheezing.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A chest x-ray and blood tests may be done for more serious burns.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Trauma Surgery, Family Practice

Treatment

Wound care and treatment of pain for minor burns. Simple burns can be treated by running them under cool water, cleaning with a mild soap, and keeping them covered with a clean bandage. More serious burns that completely surround an arm or leg can result in decreased blood supply and may require a emergent surgical procedure (escharotomy). Serious cases that involve larger areas of the body may require intravenous fluids and observation in the hospital. Babies and the elderly are treated more aggressively. Burns to the hands and face require specialized treatment to prevent permanent damage and scarring.