The most usual type of burn wound is a thermal burn, produced by exposure to fire, scalding water, or hot objects (the sun is included here). Another type of burn injury are chemical burn injuries.
Burn injuries include damage to nerve tissue, muscle and skin, and sometimes even bones. Burn injuries are usually associated to other traumatic wounds, such as fractures or other problems due to smoke inhalation or surgery.
One way to identify a burn wound is by extension of the injury. This is classification is useful for giving a prognosis for recovery and making clinical decisions. There are 3 degrees that define burns:
- A first-degree burn is mild burn. It includes only the top layer of the skin.
- A second-degree burn damages the epidermal layer and a portion of the dermis.
- A third-degree burn, also called a full-thickness burn, includes the epidermis, the entire dermis, skin appendages, and at times deeper tissue. Such a burn, even when it includes a small surface area, generally requires hospitalization.
Recovery from a burn wound requires an effective and highly specialized skin treatment. Open wounds must be carefully cared for to avoid infection and to encourage healing as quickly as possible. Treatment may include speech therapy, swallowing therapy, respiratory treatment, and carefully monitored nutrient and fluid intake.
As a burn wound becomes less acute, other issues need intervention. These include emotional support, the building of a new self-image, daily living and walking skills, tissue flexibility, the incorporation of previous leisure interests and re-adjustment to family and community life.
Immature burn scars tissue will change from a reddish to white color while stretching. Don’t forget to put extra attention to these areas because they can get much tighter if you do not stretch them on a regular basis.
Healed burn wounds, donor sites, and grafts are highly sensitive to direct sunlight and need special skin care measures. These areas can become very dry and also burn very quickly. After burn wounds have healed, you must avoid direct exposure to sunlight for at least 6 months. After those first six months, it is okay to allow short sunlight exposures. It is vital to use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. The sunscreen must be applied approximately 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Also, try not to be under the sun between (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Reapply sunscreen often and try to stay out of direct sunlight. You can gradually increase your exposure to sunlight over a period of time.
A safer and natural option to chemical skin care treatments is now available in the form of a skin care product to treat a wide range of skin conditions.
- Kathleen LeRoi