Burns can be caused due to variety of causes like thermal energy, radiation, or electrical contact. Harmful chemicals used in various industries either in form of solid, liquid or gas. The radiation therapy used in treating cancer, ultraviolet radiation from sun, tanning booths lead to injury to the skin and its deeper tissue. Fire, steam and hot liquids can cause scalds which are the most common type of injury.
Clinical presentation:
Depending upon the level of injury and the involvement of the tissue layers involved, Burns are classified as superficial and deep burns. There are various degrees of burns. First degree burns (injury to the top layer of the skin, epidermis), Second degree burn (injury to the epidermis and dermis), Third degress burns (injury to the deeper layer, the fat layer), fourth degree burns (injury extends to the muscles and bones). Depending upon the involvement of the tissue the symptoms vary. In first degree burns only redness and pain occurs .In second degree burns the patient experiences severe pain, redness and swelling at the affected site is seen. The affected area is moist and blister formation is seen. In third degree burns as there is involvement of the nerves, numbness occurs the affected skin becomes white and leathery, Fourth degree burns are severe burns causing extensive involvement of the muscles and bones. The affected skin and its underlying tissue is destroyed. The bones and muscles becomes exposed, Charred appearance of the wound is seen. Involvement of different location depending upon the area of contact of source is seen. In cases of deeper burns various systemic complaints are also seen. Burns can not only hamper the cosmetic appearance of the skin but also can endanger life. It can lead to various local and systemic complications. Hypovolumeia, breathing problems and infections are the most common among them.
Investigations:
The diagnosis is confirmed on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patients and physical examination carried by the doctor. The physical examination itself is sufficient to determine the diagnosis. It helps for planning the line of treatment and to know the prognosis.
Treatment:
The first and foremost step is to remove the person from the area of danger. If the burns are minor (superficial burns) hold the affected area under water. In cases of large area involved where even clothes are burnt, remove the clothes so that it does not stick further. In cases of chemical burns the affected area must be cleaned and the area must be washed with normal tap or running water for at least 20min. deeper burns is a medical emergency. Treatment depends upon the degree of burns superficial burns which are minor ones at times may not require any treatment. For such burns medications and ointment are easily available over the counters. In deep and extensive burns. Hospitalization is needed. Intravenous fluids and medications are started. Pain relieving medications, antibiotics and tetanus injections through IV are started. Regular cleaning and dressing is needed. In extensive injury and systemic complaints the patient is kept on ventilators and feeding tubes. Decompressions or skin grafting is done. In fourth degree burns reconstruction of the skin is carried out by the plastic surgeon.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the disease. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms.
