2.8.05
Burns

Each year, about 2 million Americans suffer from serious burns that require medical treatment. Nearly 4,000 die from their injuries.

Two-thirds of all burns occur in the home and involve young children, seniors or adult men. Scald burns from hot liquids spilled in cooking accidents and house fires are the most common causes of burns. Dr. Bradon Wilhelmi, assistant professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, says the most serious burns are ones that involve a larger portion of the body.

SOUND BITE: “ . . . if 40 percent of the body is involved in full-thickness burn, they are at a very, very high risk for not being able to survive their injury. Also if the patient acquires burns in a confined space where they breathe in this super hot air, they are at risk for inhalation injuries and these can go on to progress to bronchial pneumonia and a condition where patients are unable to recover from their burns . . .”

Burns are categorized into four different degrees. First-degree burns are similar to a painful sunburn. Second-degree burns are deeper and more painful with possible blistering. Third-degree burns go all the way through the layers of the skin and there is a loss of feeling in the area. The most serious – fourth-degree burns extend into the bone, muscle or tendon. There are basic steps to take when dealing with a burn says Dr. Wilhelmi.

SOUND BITE: “If the bad burn is involving a small area, then the wound should be rapidly cooled and cleaned with cool water and also covered to prevent contact with air or other articles of clothing with the wound, which would cause more pain.”

If the burn involves a large area of skin, the patient should be taken to a primary care physician or emergency department as quickly as possible. Patients with very severe burns may be referred to a burn surgeon.