When viewing this topic in a different language, you may notice some differences in the way the content is structured, but it still reflects the latest evidence-based guidance.

Cutaneous burns

Last reviewed: 9 Sep 2024
Last updated: 30 Jul 2024

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • erythema
  • dry and painful burns
  • wet and painful burns
  • dry and insensate burns
  • burns affecting subcutaneous tissue, tendon, or bone
  • cellulitis
  • clouded cornea
Full details

Risk factors

  • young children
  • age >60 years
  • female sex (thermal burns)
Full details

Diagnostic tests

1st tests to order

  • complete blood count
  • metabolic panel
  • carboxyhemoglobin
  • arterial blood gas
  • fluorescein staining
  • computed tomography scan of head and spine
  • wound biopsy culture
  • wound histology
Full details

Treatment algorithm

ACUTE

suitable for outpatient care

requires inpatient care

Contributors

Authors

Rob Sheridan, MD

Professor of Surgery

Harvard Medical School

Cambridge

MA

Disclosures

RS is an author of a number of references cited in this topic.

Peer reviewers

Ravi Ubriani, MD, FAAD

Assistant Professor of Clinical Dermatology

Columbia University

New York

NY

Disclosures

RU declares that he has no competing interests.

Chris Tedeschi, MD

Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine

Department of Emergency Medicine

New York-Presbyterian Hospital

New York

NY

Disclosures

CT declares that he has no competing interests.

Chad M. Hivnor, Major, USAF, MC, FS

Chief

Outpatient & Pediatric Dermatology

59th Medical Wing/ SGOMD

Lackland Air Force Base

San Antonio

TX

Disclosures

CMH declares that he has no competing interests.

Dean D. Ad-El, MD

Chairman, Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn Unit

Rabin Medical Center - Beilinson Hospital

Sackler Faculty of Medicine

Tel-Aviv University

Director of Plastic Surgery Services

Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel

Petach Tikvah

Israel

Disclosures

DDAE participated as one of the moderators in a course in IMCAS, Paris in January 2009.

  • Cutaneous burns images
  • Differentials

    • Rash in children
    • Toxic epidermal necrolysis (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
    • Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
    More Differentials
  • Guidelines

    • International first aid and resuscitation guidelines
    • Management of burns in pre-hospital trauma care
    More Guidelines
  • Patient information

    Burns

    More Patient information
  • padlock-lockedLog in or subscribe to access all of BMJ Best Practice

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer