Burns

Burns are primarily damage to the skin and superficial tissues caused by heat from hot liquids, flames, or contact with hot objects, electrical current, or chemicals. The severity of a burn is assessed by the size of the burn area (% of total body surface area) and the depth (from first to fourth degree). The prognosis is negatively affected by other injuries related to the burn, such as trauma or burns to the respiratory tract. Most burns are treated on an outpatient basis. Minor burns should be cooled, cleaned, and dressed. It is important to properly manage the patient’s pain and vaccinate them against tetanus. Severe burns are best treated at regional centers.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology