Burns
Burns
Burns (pronunciation: /bɜːrnz/) are injuries to the skin or other organic tissue primarily caused by heat or due to radiation, radioactivity, electricity, friction or contact with chemicals.
Etymology
The term "burn" comes from the Old English beornan, meaning "to be on fire".
Types of Burns
Burns can be classified into three categories:
- First-degree burns: These are superficial burns affecting the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis.
- Second-degree burns: These burns extend to the second layer of the skin, known as the dermis, causing blistering and potential scarring.
- Third-degree burns': These are the most severe type of burns, affecting the entire thickness of the skin and underlying tissues.
Causes
Burns can be caused by a variety of sources, including:
- Heat burns (thermal burns): Caused by fire, steam, hot objects, or hot liquids.
- Cold burns (frostbite): Caused by skin exposure to wet, freezing temperatures.
- Electrical burns: Caused by contact with electrical sources or lightning.
- Chemical burns: Caused by contact with household or industrial chemicals in a liquid, solid, or gas form.
- Radiation burns: Caused by the sun, tanning booths, sunlamps, X-rays, or radiation therapy for cancer.
Treatment
Treatment of burns depends on the severity and cause of the burn. It may include:
- First aid for minor burns
- Rehydration for burns caused by heat
- Pain management
- Wound care
- Surgery for severe burns
- Physical therapy and occupational therapy for recovery
Related Terms
- Scald: A type of burn caused by hot liquid or steam.
- Flash burn: A burn caused by an explosion of flammable liquid or gas.
- Inhalation injury: Damage to the respiratory system from heat, smoke inhalation, or chemical substances.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Burns
- Wikipedia's article - Burns
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