Skin Burns

Our Services-Skin Burns

Treating Skin Burns

Skin burns, caused by thermal, chemical, electrical, or radiation exposure, damage layers of the skin and can extend to deeper tissues, leading to pain, infection risks, and long-term scarring if mishandled. Affecting millions annually, burns range from minor singes to life-altering injuries requiring specialized care. This scaled guide, informed by 2025 guidelines from the American Burn Association (ABA) and sources like StatPearls, outlines identification, severity-based treatment, and prevention to promote healing and reduce complications. Initial first aid—stop the burning process, cool the area, and protect—is universal; multidisciplinary teams (burn specialists, surgeons, therapists) guide severe cases.

Understanding Skin Burns

Understanding Skin Burns: Types and Severity Scales

Burns are classified by depth (degree) rather than size alone, with total body surface area (TBSA) assessed via Rule of Nines or Lund-Browder chart to gauge overall impact (e.g., >20% TBSA warrants burn center transfer). Depth determines pain, healing potential, and intervention needs.

Types include:

  • Thermal Burns: From heat sources like flames, hot liquids, or steam; most common (86% of cases).
  • Chemical Burns: Caused by acids/alkalis; may deepen over time without irrigation.
  • Electrical Burns: Entry/exit wounds with internal damage; assess for cardiac arrhythmias.
  • Radiation/Sunburn: UV-induced, often first-degree.

Severity scales by depth:

  • Mild (First-Degree/Superficial): Epidermis only; red, dry, painful; no blisters. Heals in 5–10 days without scarring.
  • Moderate (Second-Degree/Partial-Thickness): Superficial (upper dermis): Blistered, red-pink, very painful. Deep partial (lower dermis): Mottled, less painful, sluggish blanching. Heals in 2–3 weeks (superficial) or longer (deep) with potential scarring.
  • Severe (Third-Degree/Full-Thickness): Entire skin thickness; leathery, white/charred, painless (nerve destruction). Heals >8 weeks, requires grafting; high infection risk.

Symptoms: Pain (absent in third-degree), swelling, blisters, or numbness. Critical areas (face, hands, genitals, joints) elevate urgency regardless of depth.