Burns
A burn is a type of trauma to the skin and interior
tissues of the body due to heat, electricity, radiation,
or certain chemicals. Each year, approximately two
million people in the United States suffer burn injuries,
resulting in some 300,000 serious injuries and 6,000
deaths.
Each type of burn can further be described as follows:
- First-Degree Burn
- Second-Degree Burn
- Third-Degree Burn
First-degree burns affect only the epidermis, or
outer layer of skin. Generally these are superficial
injuries that usually cause temporary redness, swelling
and pain.
Second-degree burns can cause damage to multiple
layers of skin, going beyond the epidermis to the
dermis itself. These burns are classified as either “superficial” or “deep.” Superficial
burns only affect the outer portion of the dermis,
while deep burns extend to the deeper layers. Deep
burns appear as dry, white patches that are painful
to the touch. Second-degree burns don't usually require
surgery, although scarring is frequently a result.
Third-degree burns are the most serious. Every layers of skin is affected, as well as
underlying tissue and/or organs, producing a black
or brown leathery appearance. Nerve endings are often
destroyed, so third-degree burns usually are not
painful after the fact, but they can require surgical
skin grafting or transplants.
If you believe you may have a burn or electrocution case, contact
us today for more information.
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