What are burns?
Burns are the most common household injuries. Children are more affected. The word “burn” means a burning sensation related to this injury. Burns are specified by severe skin damage that causes the affected skin cells to die.
The degree of severity of burns is based on the size and depth of the burn. Electrical burns are more difficult to diagnose because they’re capable of causing significant injury under the skin without showing any signs of damage on the surface.
Sunburn and small scalds can often be treated at home. Deep burns and chemical or electrical burns need immediate medical attention.
How to classify burns?
•First-degree burns: Burns of the first layer of skin. It is superficial and causes local inflammation of the skin. Sunburn often is categorized as a first-degree burn. The inflammation is characterized by pain, redness and mild swelling. The skin may be very tender to the touch.
Healing time: It heals in about 3 to 6 days, and the superficial layer of burn may peel off in 1 or 2 days.
• Second-degree burns This of two types:-
1. Superficial partial-thickness burns that injure the first and second layers of the skin.
2. Deep partial-thickness burns that injure deeper skin layers.
The burns are to the deeper layer of the skin and the inflammation is characterized by pain, redness, and inflammation, there is also blistering of the skin.
Healing time: healing time varies depending on the severity of the burn; it may take up to 3 weeks or more to recover.
• Third-degree burns: When the injury is to all the layers of the skin and tissue under the skin. In these kinds of burns, all the layers of the skin are affected in response killing that area of skin as the nerves and blood vessels are damaged. Burns are characterized by white, leathery, brown or charred and tend to be relatively painless.
Healing time: Healing time for third-degree burns depends on the severity of the burn. In some cases, skin grafting is the treatment.
Whatever the type of burn is inflammation and fluid accumulation in and around the wound occurs. As we know skin is the body’s first defense against infection by microorganisms. The epidermis is the only layer of skin that could regenerate itself. A burn that extends to the deeper layers may cause permanent injury and scarring and disables that area to regain normal functioning.
Rule of nine:
The rule of nine is often used to measure the depth of the burns. The total area of the burn is measured as a percentage of the total body area affected. The calculation is based on the fact that the surface area of the following parts of an adult body each corresponds to approximately 9% of the total body area of body i.e.100%
• Head=9%
• Chest (front)=9%
• Abdomen (front) =9%
• Upper/mid/lower back and buttocks=18%
• Each arm =9%
• Each palm=1%
• Groin=1%
• Each leg=18% total (front of leg=9% and back of leg=9%)
Rule of nine is applicable in second and third-degree burns to measure the total percentage of burns whereas first-degree burns are superficial and skin is intact.
If more than 15%-20% of the body is involved surface may be lost and shock may occur.
As the percentage of the burnt surface increases, the risk of death increases. Patients with burns of less than 20% recover and can regain life after proper treatment and rest but the greater the area involved risks and if it is 50% chance of death are more significant depending upon the various factors, including the medical condition of the victim and the age of the victim.
What are the complications of burns?
There are several complications associated with burns and the most common is the infection. The other forms of complications are as follows
• Pneumonia
• Urinary tract infections
• Cellulitis
• In case of burns due to electricity then it may lead to compartment syndrome or rhabdomyolysis due to muscle breakdown.
• Blood clotting is another complication occurring in the veins of the legs due to burns.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Keloid formation
How do you treat a burn?
For minor burns:
• Gently clean the wound with lukewarm water
• Rings, bracelets and other ornaments should be removed.
• Tetanus immunization should be updated.
• Take medicines such as anti-inflammatories, analgesics and prophylactic treatment as per healthcare provider advice.
For major burns:
• Check the signs of breathing, coughing or movements.
• Remove any burning material from the victim’s body.
• Don’t remove burned clothing, but make sure the victim is no longer in contact with smouldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat.
• Elevate the burned body part above the heart level if possible.
• Call the emergency response system
• Once the victim is in a safe place, keep them warm and still.
• Wrap the injured areas in a clean sheet.
• Don’t use cold water directly on the victim which may cause hypothermia.
Caution:
• Don’t use ice directly on burns
• Don’t apply egg white, butter or ointments to the burnt part.
• Don’t break blisters.
How long does it take for burns to heal?
Burns take 10 days to 2 weeks to heal. Deep burns may take 4 to 5 weeks to heal. There may be no scarring if the burn is superficial (First degree) and if infection is prevented.
Should I cover a burn?
It depends upon the depth and severity of the burn.
In case of first and second-degree burns, it should be covered loosely with sterile, nonstick gauze.
If the burn covers a large area or is on your face, hands, feet or genitals, you should consult the doctor immediately.
Homeopathic indications for burns?
• Arnica Montana
• Cantharis vesicatoria
• Causticum
• Hypericum perforatum
• Phosphorus
• Urtica urens
