What it means
Burns are described by depth. Superficial burns affect only the outer skin and are red and painful, like sunburn. Partial-thickness burns go deeper, with blisters and severe pain. Full-thickness burns destroy all skin layers, may look white, leathery or charred, and may not hurt because nerves are destroyed. The size is estimated as a percent of total body surface area, for example with the rule of nines.
For the nurse
In a major burn, airway comes first: soot around the mouth, singed nose hair or a hoarse voice warns of airway burns. Large burns need big amounts of IV fluid in the first 24 hours, guided by urine output. Prevent infection, control pain and support nutrition. For a minor burn, cool it with cool running water, not ice.
At a glance
| Spanish | quemadura |
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Related terms
radiation
Energy that travels as waves or particles, such as X-rays, used to make images or treat cancer; also pain that spreads from its starting point.
fluid volume
The amount of fluid in the body, or in one of its spaces such as the blood vessels.
friction
The rubbing of one surface against another, such as skin against bed sheets.
graft
Tissue or a man-made material moved into place in surgery to replace or repair a damaged part.