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What are the different types of burns?
A burn injury usually results from an energy transfer from a heat source to the body. There are many types of burns caused by thermal, radiation, chemical, or electrical contact.
Thermal burns are burns caused by external heat sources which raise the temperature of the skin and tissues resulting in tissue cell death or charring. Hot metals, scalding liquids, steam, and flames, can cause thermal burns.
Radiation burns are burns caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun, or to other sources of radiation such as x-ray.
Chemical burns are burns caused by strong acids or alkaloids coming into contact with the skin and/or eyes.
Electrical burns are burns caused by contact with an alternating current, such as open wiring or being struck by lightening.
What are the symptoms?
Burns are classified in three categories, first, second and third degree.
First-degree burns- These burns remain on the surface of the skin and tend to appear red. Sunburns are usually first-degree burns. Although first-degree burns can cause great pain, they seldom result in lasting problems or require medical attention.
Second-degree burns- These burns probe deeper into the skin and result in blistering or splitting of the skin's layers. Very severe sunburns and scalding are common examples of second-degree burns. Like first-degree burns, second-degree burns rarely cause lasting problems or scarring, but the pain can be intense.
Third-degree burns- These burns destroy all layers of the skin and extend into deeper tissues. These burns are actually painless because the nerve endings have been destroyed.
What Should I do if I think my child has been severely burned?
Immediately call 911 and contact your local children's hospital.
What is the treatment?
Third-degree burns result in scarring, infection, and fluid loss, and should be seen by a doctor immediately. Skin grafts are often needed to repair these deep burns.
If your child has been severely burned contact Villari, Brandes & Kline so we can determine if it was caused by the fault of another.
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