Third Degree Burn Samples for Students †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Third Degree Burn and Effects. Answer: Third Degree BurnBackground A burn is a damage to body tissues which results from contact with elements such as heat, chemical or radiation. Third-degree burns are a type of burn damage that affects both the epidermis and the dermis i.e. both the outer and inner layer respectively. Third-degree burns are also referred to as full thickness burns. The classification of burns can be traced back to the 18th century by two German surgeons. The description of third degree burns at that time was a burn damage to both the skin and the underlying flesh, with a formation of a crust (Lee, Joory, Moiemen, 2014). Later in the 19th century, burns were classified into six degrees with the third-degree burns classified as burns resulting in the destruction of both the papillary layer and the subpapillary network of the corium. This classification done by Dupuytren is the one thats still in use up to date (Mieny Mennen, 2003). however, most of the literature works prefer a simpler classification which classifies burns into th ree degrees. This classification can be attributed to the works of a French surgeon by the name Boyer in the 18th century. According to Boyer, a third-degree burn is a burn that leads to tissue disorganisation leading to a dry yellow crust (Lee, Joory, Moiemen, 2014). Regardless, the most acceptable description being the type of burns that destroys both the epidermis and dermis. Cause Third-degree burns in most cases result from direct skin exposure to heat for an extended period of time. This includes contact with hot objects such as iron or a skillet. Additionally, exposure to flames from a fire for a long time can also cause full-thickness burns. A third-degree burn may also be caused by hot water or steam, caustic chemicals (such as acids), radiation exposure, friction and exposure to an electrical source (Borke, 2016). Symptoms An area of the skin that has suffered a third-degree burn, the skin generally appears either black, white, charred, brown or leathery in appearance. The wound is often surrounded by dry, black necrotic tissue. Owing to the fact that most nerve endings in the dermis are destroyed alongside it, full-thickness burns are typically painless (Singer, Taira, Lee, 2014). Regardless, since these wounds are surrounded by wounds of different thicknesses, the areas surrounding these wounds are often painful. Method of diagnosis A third-degree burn can be diagnosed depending on the patient symptoms and general health history. Through a physical exam, a patient can be diagnosed based on the signs and symptoms, and recent exposure to anything that can cause burns (i.e. anything hot, or a chemical, or any of the above-mentioned agents. Effects Third-degree burns are often difficult to treat and also runs the risk of disability upon recovery. The following are the most prevalent effects of full-thickness burns: Infections: Third degree burns interfere with the integrity of the skin hence hampering its capacity to perform the full function of serving as a barrier against external infections. Third-degree burn sites create hard avascular eschar forms that provide an environment thats attractive to microbial growth. In addition, antibodies and antibiotics cannot pass past the thick eschar Hypovolemia and hypothermic shock With third-degree burns, the capacity of the skin to perform the functions of regulation of fluid loss and the regulation of body heat. When third-degree burns occur over a large area, there is the risk of hypovolemia, alongside hypothermia which significantly increases the mortality rates in persons with severe trauma. Tetanus: There is an elevated risk for tetanus for burn sites. Patients suffering from third-degree burns and who havent been immunised in the past five years, are often at increased risk of developing tetanus, hence requiring a booster shot. Treatment Treatment depends on the patient's symptoms, age, and general health. It also depends on the severity of the condition. typically, treatment is done in a hospital unit specialised in burns. The three primary goals in the treatment of any burns are prevention of shock, relieve pain and discomfort, and the reduction of risk of infection (Kestrel Health Information, 2017). Treatment for full-thickness burns depends on the severity of the burn. The severity of a burn is determined by three major factors: the location of the burn, the amount of body surface affected and the depth of the burn (Adler Brown, 2017). The treatment may include immediate care in the emergency department, precisely the hospital burn unit. The care provided may include wound debridement to remove the dead tissue and foreign materials, breathing and blood circulation support, intravenous administration of electrolytes and antibiotics (can also be administered orally), administration of antibacterial cream, bandaging, administration of nutritional supplements and a diet rich in protein, administration of anti-itch and pain medications, and the tetanus vaccine (Cecil, Goldman, Schafer, 2012) Such wounds heal slowly. Often after it heals, surgery may be needed in order to facilitate movement of the limb and also to remove and repair the tissue that was scarred. Often, skin grafting may be required to cover or close the burnt area. Skin grafting involves removal of an unburnt healthy skin from another part of the body to cover the affected part. When an individual covers third-degree burns over a large percentage of the body, there are options of either using cadaver skin or using healthy skin as a skin graft (Lozano, 2017). Prevention Third-degree burns can be prevented by undertaking the appropriate precautions. Full-thickness burns often results from accidents. Therefore, it is necessary to take safety precautions whenever working in risky environments. This may include performing jobs in environments with electricity, and inflammable substances. These environments are precursors for accidents that may cause third-degree burns. To minimise the general risk of burns, individuals should take precautions such as installing smoke alarms in homes and at workplaces, learning about fire safety and emergency first aid, making the home environment risky free especially for children, installation of fire-fighting equipment at homes and workplaces, and knowing about and practicing fire escape routes at homes, schools and workplaces. Recommendations For the prevention of burns, it is recommended to work in risky-free environments at all times. Always minimise the risk of exposure and take precautionary measures. Conclusion Third-degree burns are a type of burns which damage both the epidermis and the dermis. They are also referred to as full thickness burns. Third-degree burns in most cases result from direct skin exposure to heat, steam, radiations, or caustic chemical for an extended period of time. Their diagnosis depends on the degree of damage and the general health of the patient. Without proper management, there is an overall risk of disability, hypovolaemia, hypothermia, tetanus and infections of the wounds. References Adler, L., Brown, K. (2017). Third-Degree Burn in Children. Retrieved from University of Rochester Medical Center: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=90ContentID=P01760 Borke, J. (2016, May 5). Burns. Retrieved from MedlinePlus: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000030.htm Cecil, R. L., Goldman, L., Schafer, A. I. (2012). Goldman's Cecil Medicine. Philadelphia: Elsevier Health Sciences. Kestrel Health Information. (2017). BUrns, Full-Thickness (Third- and Fourth -Degree). Retrieved from Wound Source: https://www.woundsource.com/patientcondition/burns-full-thickness-third-and-fourth-degree Lee, K. C., Joory, K., Moiemen, N. S. (2014). History of burns: The past, present and the future. Burns Trauma, 169-180. Lozano, D. (2017). Third-Degree Burn: Treatment. Retrieved from Lehigh Valley Network: https://www.lvhn.org/conditions_treatments/burn/third_degree_burn/learn_about_third_degree_burn/treatment Mieny, C., Mennen, U. (2003). Principles of Surgical Patient Care. Pretoria: New Africa Books (Pty) Ltd. Singer, A., Taira, B., Lee, C. (2014). Thermal burns. In J. Marx, R. Hockberger, R. Walls, Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practic (p. Chapter 63). Elsevier Saunders: Philadelphia, PA.