Burns

(including sunburns)
Types of Burns
There are three main types of burns: first-, second-, and third-degree. The classification of a burn is based on how badly the
skin is damaged. First degree burns are the least severe, and third degree are the most.
First-degree (superficial) burns result in red, non-blistered skin
Second-degree (partial thickness) burns cause blistering and some thickening of the skin
Third-degree (full thickness) burns result in widespread thickness with a white, leathery appearance
There is also a less common fourth-degree burn; the damage is similar to that of a third-degree burn, but it extends
beyond the skin into tendons and bones.

Causes
Burns can be caused many different ways, including:
Fires
Excessive exposure to the sun
Electrical burns
Chemical burns
Scalding from hot liquids

The type of burn is not based on it's cause; for example, an electrical burn could be first-, second-, or third-degree. It all
depends on the circumstance and how badly the victim's tissue is damaged.
Symptoms
1st Degree: This minor burn affects only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). It causes
redness and pain and usually resolves with first-aid measures within several days to a week.
Sunburn is a classic example.

2nd Degree: These burns affect both the epidermis and the second layer of skin (dermis),
causing redness, pain and swelling. A second-degree burn often looks wet or moist. Blisters
may develop and pain can be severe. Deep second-degree burns can cause scarring.

3rd Degree: Burns that reach into the fat layer beneath the dermis are called third-degree
burns. The skin may appear stiff, waxy white, leathery or tan. Third-degree burns can destroy
nerves, causing numbness

4th Degree: The most severe form of burn affects structures well beyond the skin, such as
muscle and bones. The skin may appear blackened or charred. If nerve damage is
substantial, you may feel no pain at all.

The Skin
First-degree burns only affect the outermost layer of the skin, also
known as the epidermis. The area that was burned is left red, dry,
and painful, but does not have any blisters. An example of this is a
mild sunburn. First-degree burns rarely result in any long-term
tissue damage, and usually only leave behind a slight change in the
skin color.

Second-degree burns also involve the epidermis; however, a
second-degree burn will damage the dermis layer of the skin as
well. The effect on the skin is slightly more severe than a first-
degree burn, and looks red, blistered, and may be swollen.

Third-degree burns not only impact but destroy the epidermis and dermis. They may also damage the underlying
bones, muscles, and tendons. When these bones, muscles, or tendons are actually burned, it becomes a fourth-
degree burn. In this case, the burn site appears white or charred as well. Often there is no pain, as the nerve endings
have been destroyed.

Body Systems
Many other major body systems can be affected by severe burns.
Skeletal System: Red bone marrow replaces red blood cells which is destroyed by the burnt skin.
Cardiovascular System: Burning of the skin will lead to a decrease of blood pressure, which further decreases the
blood flow and oxygenation to tissues.
Muscular System: Burns cause the body to become hypermetabolic; whenever this happens, one first areas to be
targeted is muscle mass.
Nervous System: Pain is primarily only felt in first- and second-degree burns, whereas in third- and fourth-degree
burns the nerve cells are destroyed, resulting in the patient not feeling any pain.
Respiratory System: Airway obstruction can be caused by gross oedema of the throat; also, the patients often
already have trouble breathing due to inhaling too much smoke during a fire.
Endocrine System: Adrenaline secretions are often increased in response to the injury, which can lead to an
increase in both body temperature and cell metabolism.
Immune System: Burn areas remove the first line of infection defence, resulting in a decreased response in the
immune system.
Urinary: The kidneys try to compensate for the increased fluid loss, which can result in severe kidney damage.

Response

Anatomical Response
Burn injuries result in both local and systemic responses. The body's "local" response in the burned area is to increase
tissue perfusion, especially when the tissue in the zone is potentially saveable. "Systemic" responses, such as
cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic changes, will occur to counter the burn's effects.



Professional Response
Often the body's response isn't enough, and medical professionals need to step in. If the body is severely burned,
damaged blood vessels will lose fluid, resulting in major inflammation and blistering. To maintain the blood pressure,
extra fluids and possibly even blood transfusions must be administered by a professional. At this point, skin grafts will
be applied to help boost healing as well.

Works Cited
http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-burns/basics/art-20056649

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burns/basics/symptoms/con-20035028

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/sep/11/local/la-me-san-bruno-burns-20100911

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/dermatology/burns_85,P01146/

http://www.emergencymedicalparamedic.com/burns-pathophysiology/