Burns (cont.)
How important is the location of a burn?
Burn location is an important consideration.
If the burn involves the face, nose, mouth or neck, there is a risk that
there will be enough inflammation and swelling to obstruct the airway and cause
breathing problems.
If there are circumferential burns to the chest, as the
burn progresses, the tissue involved may not allow enough motion of the chest
wall to allow adequate breathing to occur. If circumferential burns occur to
arms, legs, fingers, or toes, the same constriction may not allow blood flow and
put the survival of the extremity at risk. Burns to areas of the body with flexion creases, like
the palm of the hand, the back of the knee, the face, and the groin may need specialized
care. As the burn matures, the skin may scar and shorten, preventing full range
of motion of the body area.
What about electrical burns?
Electrical burns may cause serious injury that is not readily apparent. Often
the entry and exit points for the electrical shock may not be easily found.
Electricity flows more easily through tissues in the body
that are designed to deal with electricity. Nerves and muscles are "wired" for
this task and often are damaged. If significant muscle damage occurs, muscle
fibers and chemicals can be released into the bloodstream causing
electrolyte
disturbances and kidney
failure.
What about chemical burns?
Burns can also occur when chemicals are spilled onto the body and generate a
reaction that creates heat. Chemical burns may be classified by their pH or
acidity.
- Acids are those with pH less than 7 and include common household compounds
like acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, or sulfuric acid.
- Bases or alkali compounds have a pH greater than 7.
Ammonia is a common
alkali found in the home.
Next: First aid for burns »
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