Burn Injury Resource Center

Published on: February 24, 2010

Skin And Infection

One of the important functions of the skin is to protect the body against infection. The skin is the first line of defense against infection. Infection happens when harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi enter the body and replicate. The skin protects against infections through the following mechanisms:

It acts like a covering and a barrier that prevent the entrance of harmful organisms.
The continuous shedding of the outermost cells of the skin leading to the shedding of these organisms with them. Some bacteria live on our skin but can’t enter the skin as long as it is healthy. An adult sheds more than 40,000 skin cells a minute.

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Published on: February 23, 2010

The Skin (Part II)

By Larry Kramer

The Dermis:

This is the second layer of the skin under the epidermis, it cushions the body from stress and strain, this layer contains nerve endings, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, hair follicles and blood and lymphatic vessels.

The nerve endings in our dermis tell us how things feel when we touch them; they work with our brain and nervous system so that the brain gets the message about what we are touching. The dermis is also full of tiny blood vessels that keep the skin cells healthy by bringing them oxygen and nutrients they need and by taking away waste. The sebaceous glands secrete sebum which is an oily matter that keeps the skin lubricated and water proof, these glands are present throughout the skin except the hands and feet; they are in greatest abundance on the face and scalp. The sweat glands help in the regulation of body temperature by releasing sweat through pores on the skin. The hair follicle grows hair and attached to it is the sebaceous gland; about 50-100 hairs are shed daily from a normal scalp.

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Published on: February 22, 2010

The Skin (Part I)

By Larry Kramer

The skin is the largest organ in the body that has many important functions which include the following:

It protects the body from infection by preventing the invasion of harmful organisms.
It protects the body from dehydration by preventing the loss of excessive fluids.

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Published on: February 19, 2010

Third Degree Burns (Part II)

By Larry Kramer

First aid:

All third degree burns require emergency medical treatment, usually in a burn unit, call 911 or take the person to an emergency room as soon as possible.

Smother any flames if the patient is on fire eg, using a blanket, stop drop and roll.

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Published on: February 18, 2010

Third Degree Burns (Part I)

By Larry Kramer

A third degree burn is a burn that causes injury to all three layers of the skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis). There may also be damage to fat tissue, muscle and bone. It is the most serious type of burn and may result in extensive scarring as well as other injuries and limitations.

Causes:

Flames.

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Published on: February 17, 2010

Second Degree Burns

By Larry Kramer

A second degree burn is caused by injury to the epidermis which is the first layer of the skin and the dermis which is the second layer of the skin.

Causes:

Severe sunburns.

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Published on: February 16, 2010

First Degree Burns (Part II)

By Larry Kramer

Prevention:

Burns of all degrees including first degree can be avoided or decreased by following simple measures, burns caused by scalding with hot water can be prevented by careful handling of hot liquids, turning pot handles on the stove out of the reach of children, check the temperature of the bath water before putting the child in the tub, setting the water heater thermostat no higher than 120°F (49°C), install radiator covers, insulate exposed stem pipes, properly placed and working smoke detectors, children must be taught never to play with matches, lighters, gasoline, never allow children to handle fireworks without adult supervision.

Sunburns may be prevented by the liberal use of a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 and above, use protective coverings like hats, loose clothing, and umbrellas, avoid spending time in the sun between 10 am and 3 pm when the most damaging ultraviolet rays are present.

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Published on: February 15, 2010

First Degree Burns (Part I)

By Larry Kramer

A first degree burn is caused due to injury to the epidermis which is the outer first layer of the skin; it involves minimal tissue damage and is the least serious type of burn.

Causes:

Spending too much time in the sun (sun burn part I, II).

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Published on: February 12, 2010

Compression Garments

By Larry Kramer

One of the common complications that a burn patient may experience is a scar depending on the severity of the injury. Scars may lead to physical and emotional distress. One of the methods used to deal with and decrease the incidence of scaring is the use of compression garments.

Compression garments are used in the treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars, they work by applying pressure to the affected area which helps flatten and improve the appearance of scar.

There are different kinds of compression garments like Ace bandage, pre-fabricated garments and custom made garments.

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Published on: February 11, 2010

Hypertrophic Scar

By Larry Kramer

A hypertrophic scar is an elevated scar that appears red, thick and raised as a lump on the skin, hypertrophic scars usually feel firm to the touch, and they may be sensitive to changes in temperature or texture. They don’t grow beyond the injury site or incision (unlike a keloid scar which grows beyond the original site of the injury). Hypertrophic scars usually start to develop within weeks after the injury and often improve in appearance with time, which may take few years.

There is no simple cure for hypertrophic scars. Compression garment is one of the methods used in the treatment. Steroid may be used as an injection into the hypertrophied area or as a topical application. Surgery may be used to remove these scars, often in conjunction with the use of steroid injection. Steroid treatment may continue even after the surgery to maximize healing and decrease the chance of recurrence of these scars.

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.