Cutaneous burns

Summary

  • Burns are very common injuries.
  • Burn severity is assessed by the burn size (% total body surface area) and depth (first to fourth degree). Associated injuries (such as inhalation injury or trauma) adversely affect the prognosis.
  • Most burns can be managed in an outpatient setting. Early management affects long-term outcome.
  • Initial treatment of minor burns consists of wound cooling, cleaning, and dressing. Pain management and tetanus prophylaxis are important.
  • Serious burns are most effectively managed in regional burn centres.
  • Prognosis varies from excellent to poor depending on the severity of the burn.
Last updated: Jan 02, 2013
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