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Dry skin is a common skin condition that can affect anyone at any age. There are many causes of dry skin ranging from environmental factors to pathological diseases that can present with dry skin.

Causes include:

  • Part of the aging process in which dryness of the skin happens due to decreased oil production by the oil glands.
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The skin is like a mirror of the person and one of the first things that attracts the attention of others, it’s important to take care of the skin and keep it healthy.

  • Drinking enough water will keep the skin hydrated, smooth and delicate.
  • Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to the skin as well as other organs in the body. Antioxidants neutralize the effect of these free radicals. Vitamin A, C and E have an antioxidant activity. Antioxidant can be found in vegetables and fruits. Black grapes and blueberries are example of fruits with antioxidants.
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Connecticut Burn Care Foundation – Burn Camp:

Connecticut

This camp was opened in 1991 after President Arthur C. Luf’s planning and dedication for many years making it a reality. The Arthur C. Luf Children’s Burn Camp is set on 176 acres with its own pond for swimming and boating, a beautiful setting in the woods of Connecticut. Many activities including fishing, boating, hiking and others are practiced in this camp. The camp team counselors are helped by firefighters, medical personnel, caring people and burn survivors, all work as volunteers.

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Firefighters risk their lives daily to save our lives and properties. They face many hazards including the exposure to fire and therefore they need a protective uniform to help them perform their job. The uniform is composed of:

Helmet:

Firefighters wear a helmet to protect their heads from fire and from any falling things like debris. The helmet is made of Kevlar which is a very hard plastic. Helmets are equipped with a face shield. The color, number and wording on the helmet identify the rank, department and the fire company. A torch or a helmet light may be used by the firefighters in dark places, at night or to help them keep in contact with each others.

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Cyanide is a toxic chemical substance that is found in a gas or a salt form. The gaseous form is colorless with a bitter almonds odor. Cyanide can be ingested by mouth, inhaled or absorbed by the skin.

Cyanide is used in the synthesis of some plastic items; it can be used in cleaning metal as well as in other industrial or laboratory settings. Cyanide is also naturally present in some pits and seeds of fruits such as apricots and almonds but it’s in a small amount. Nitroprusside is a drug that may lead to cyanide toxicity if it’s given in an improper dose. During a house fire, cyanide gas is produced due to the combustion of common household materials. Inhalation of cyanide leads to cyanide poisoning. Cyanide can be used in chemical warfare and poisoning.

Cyanide simply works by decreasing the oxygen content of the blood by causing a chemical change that prevent oxygen from getting into the hemoglobin of the red blood cell and this will lead to tissue hypoxia.

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Burns may lead to various effects on the body depending on the type and severity of the burn. Amputation may be one of the results of severe burns, although it is not common, it can happen. Amputation may have to be done in extensive burns due to the loss of blood supply or destruction of that body part. Amputation of fingers is more common than amputation of part of the limbs. High voltage electrical burns lead to injury not only to the skin but also to the underlying tissues and this can necessitate amputation. Despite the emotional and physical effect of the amputation on burn survivors, many survivors will adjust to their new circumstance and lead a productive life.

This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice; it should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.

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Frostbite is a tissue injury induced by exposure to cold. Frost bite happens when a person is exposed to extreme cold leading to damage of the skin and the underlying tissue. Any part of the body may be affected by frostbite but it usually occurs in the nose, ears, fingers and toes.

When the temperature reaches zero or below, the blood vessels located close to the skin start to constrict to decrease the blood flowing throw them which in turn will lead to decrease heat loss and preserve core body temperature (see regulation of body temperature). When the skin and the underlying tissues are exposed to prolonged cold or extreme cold, the flow of blood to the affected areas will be greatly reduced leading to damage to these areas which may be permanent leading to tissue death and amputation in severe cases.

The risk of frostbite increases in the following:

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During this phase the patient is discharged from the hospital and starts to reenter and reintegrate into life and society. Interacting with family members, friends and the rest of the community may be difficult at first. The patient may be used to the hospital environment, leaving the hospital; they will have the fear of being rejected by the community because of their change in appearance or abilities. Other issues that face the patient during this stage are dealing with returning to work, changing their image and resuming sexual activities. Patients may develop anxiety and depression as a result of these issues.

Going through rehabilitation, exercises, dressing changes, pressure garment use, amputations, scarring and itching may all have an effect on the patient emotionally and physically.

Treatment provided in this stage begins before discharge by explaining and preparing the patient and family for the difficulties anticipated after discharge. Outpatient counseling, social skill training and support groups play a role in recovery. Family and friends’ support and the patient’s willingness to engage himself/ herself in society play an important role in recovery.

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Acute stage:

This stage of recovery follows the resuscitative stage. In this stage the patient begins the healing process both physically and emotionally. Patients in this stage are still going through the painful procedures and treatments. They will start to be aware of the impact of the injury and how their injuries have changed their lives. Some have lost loved ones; some may have lost everything they have worked for.

Patients in this stage may experience sleep disturbance due to many factors: being in a hospital environmental with factors such as lights, staff awakening the patient for medication and to check vital signs. Anxiety and depression plays a major role in sleep disturbance. Nightmares, agitation and pain may also affect sleep. Acute stress disorder which occurs in the first month and post traumatic stress disorder which occurs after the first month manifest during this stage.

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