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Burn treatment

Skin is the largest organ of the body, and performs a critical function as a protective waterproof covering for the entire body. Skin contains many sensory nerve endings which keep us informed regarding our external environment, as well as myriad blood vessels which aid in temperature regulation. Skin is modified for different areas of the body, and forms a thick, heavy epidermis on the palms of the hand and palms of the feet, as compared to the thin layer over the rest of the body. Of the injuries to the skin, burns are perhaps the most painful, and so treatment of skin burns involves not only treatment to expedite healing, but also treatment to reduce or control pain. Burns are classified into four groups by the depth of injury. First degree burns, which damage the epidermis alone, cause erythema and edema. Second degree burns which damage the epidermis and a part of the mid-dermis, cause bullae. Third degree burns, which damage all layers of the dermis, cause eschars. The injury of third degree burns can not be naturally cured, and in some cases, it is necessary to graft some skin for eliminating scars. Fourth degree burns damage fat and muscles or bones through the dermis. Pain is prominent in first and second degree burns. Burns cause inflammation of the skin, pain and swelling and may result in scabbing and scarring. Skin burns are a complex inflammatory process causing dyskeratotic cells, spongiosis, vacuolation of keratinocytes and edema from capillary leakage, 12 to 24 hours after exposure to light or high temperature. In addition to redness and pain, blisters may develop and scabs and scars may result. The major complications of burns are pain, infections, metabolic derangements and scarring. Measures for treating burns include flooding with cool water, tetanus prophylaxis, antibiotic treatment and anticipation of shock with immediate intravenous fluid replacement. In order to treat burn sufferers, it is necessary not only to prevent the capillary vessels of the burnt skin from becoming infected but also to protect the burnt skin from toxic materials thereby preventing conditions from growing worse.

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