METHODS OF BURN INJURY

Burn injuries are classified by method and degree. Methods of burn injury usually fall into one of these categories:

• Thermal Burns
• Chemical Burns
• Electrical Burns

Thermal - Thermal burns are the most common types of burns and are often very deep. These often occur from residential fires, automobile accidents, playing with matches, improperly stored gasoline, space heaters, electrical malfunctions, or arson. A thermal burn injury is caused by exposure to heat, sufficient enough to cause damage to the skin, and possibly deeper tissue. Flame, radiation, excessive heat from fire, steam, hot liquids, or hot objects are a few of the ways one can sustain a thermal burn injury.

Chemical - These are usually a reaction that occurs when the skin comes in contact with strong acids, alkalis, and other corrosive materials. They are the result of the conversion of chemical energy into thermal energy. The burn usually progresses as long as the chemical remains in contact with the skin. Emergency treatment of chemical burns includes washing the surface of the wound with large amounts of water to remove the chemical. As long as the chemical is in contact with the skin, the burn usually continues to progress.

Electrical - These usually occur when an electric current travels from the contact site into the body, arcing from one body point to the other. As the current goes through the body it is converted into heat, which causes extensive damage along the current flow. The current is most intense at the point of entry, exit, and along the tissue it damages. It may present a "bull's-eye lesion" where there is a charred zone in the center, a middle zone of gray dry tissue, and an outer red zone. The most serious damage could be undetectable, as it is along the path of the current. Electrical currents may also cause damage to the lens of the eye and the heart, sometimes resulting in fatal cardiac arrhythmia.

Burn Injuries & Trauma / Shock
Causes of Burn Injury
Methods of Burn Injury
Degrees of Burn Injury
How to Determine Severity of a Burn

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