Damage to the skin and other deep body tissues as a result of effects such as heat, electricity, chemicals and radiation are defined as burns. The most common burns directly related to heat, called thermal burns, occur. Thermal burns occur with fire or direct contact with flame or hot objects (hot water, hot oil, hot milk, etc.).
Classification of Burns According to Depth
First degree burns affect the top layer of the skin. There is pain and tenderness in the burn area. Sunburns and superficial burns caused by spilled liquid are these types of burns. It can be treated with superficially effective painkillers and skin-softening creams and pomades. Within 1-2 weeks, the skin in the burn area peels off and slightly red skin appears. Over time, the skin becomes normal and no scars remain. In 2nd and 3rd degree burns, the upper layer of the skin is completely burned. Healing occurs with the proliferation of cells from the sebaceous glands, sweat glands and hair follicles in the subcutaneous layer. Second-degree burns are divided into two subclasses, superficial and deep, depending on the amount of loss in the skin appendages that enable healing. A superficial 2nd degree burn leaves no scar, but a deep 2nd degree burn heals leaving a scar. Water-filled blisters in the burn area should be protected. Followed by appropriate dressings. Areas other than the face should be followed with a closed dressing. The belief among the public that the burn area should be treated openly is misinformation. Unconscious care may cause a 2nd degree burn to develop into a 3rd degree burn. Healing time for superficial burns is between 1 week and 10 days. Deep 2nd degree burns heal in 2-3 weeks. In 4th degree burns, there are no skin patches left to renew the skin. Healing occurs with the skin developing from the burn edges and a disturbing scar develops. A skin graft may be applied to the burn area to prevent poor wound healing. While small areas heal with dressings leaving a scar, large areas take a long time to heal and if infection develops during this time, life-threatening may occur. Injuries in the joint and neck area may cause restriction of joint and neck movements. Skin transplantation accelerates healing and prevents loss of function. It prevents the development of Scars develop less in areas where skin transplantation has been performed. Skin transplant operations may be useful to reduce scarring in the late period.
Treatment of 2nd degree and 3rd degree burns should be performed by a burn specialist. This type of burns should be followed with closed dressings as much as possible.
Classification of Burns According to Percentage and Degrees
Burns are classified as major, minor and intermediate burns according to burn percentages and degrees.
Major Burns
Inhalation burns, face - neck burns, perineal burns, electrical burns, burns with other traumas and fractures, and chronic disease Burn cases seen in sensitive patient groups should be considered as major burns. Again, people with more than 10% 3rd degree burns, more than 20% with 2nd degree burns, individuals under the age of 10 and over 50 years of age, and all people with more than 25% 2nd degree burns should be considered in the major burn class.
Medium Level Burns
Less than 10% of people with 3rd degree burns, 10-20% of individuals with 2nd degree burns under the age of 10 and over 50 years of age, 15-25% of people with 2nd degree burns. Individuals between the ages of 10-50 with 2nd degree burns should be considered as moderate burns.
Minor Burns
Less than 2% 3rd degree burns, % Individuals under the age of 10 and over 50 with less than 10 second degree burns, and all cases with less than 15% second degree burns should be considered minor burns.
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