What are the different types of burns?

• Thermal burns develop when there’s cellular damage from extremely high temperatures.
• Electrical-based burns develop from exposure to excessive electrical energy.
• Friction-related burns occur when something that rubs against the body is powerful enough to generate heat.

The Extent of Burns

• Superficial burns only affect the skin’s surface layer.
• Partial thickness burns penetrate within the deeper skin layers, resulting in damage to the outer skin layers.
• Full-thickness burns penetrate all layers of the skin and may even reach the deeper layers of dermal tissue.

Severe burns can lead to extensive damage, affecting not just the skin but also the deeper tissue, muscles, nerves, and bones. This underscores the need for preventive measures and caution.

What are the signs of burns?

• Pain, especially when it occurs in sensitive regions like the hands and face, is a clear and severe sign of burns. This should prompt you to be cautious and attentive to any potential burn injuries.
• Visual changes in the skin, such as peeling in superficial burns, blistering in partial thickness burns, and a leather-like texture in more serious burns, are clear signs to be observant and aware of.
• The skin can change colour due to burns, with superficial burns causing redness, full-thickness burns resulting in a grey or ashen appearance, and the burned area of skin taking on a different colour during the healing process.

How do you treat burns?

Treatment for burns depends on how deep they are and the extent of surface and inner damage. Fortunately, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon may rebuild the skin and improve its cosmetic appearance.