What Are Burns And Scalds?

Injuries caused to body tissues caused by heat, chemicals and radiations including electricity are called burns and scalds. The severe complications which occur as a result of burns are severe shock, which occurs as a result of loss of body fluid and possible infection because of the damage to the skin.

There are different types of burns. Some of which are discussed briefly below.

-Dry burns- they are usually caused by flames, heat from electricity appliances, lighted cigarettes or friction (such as sliding down a rope).

-Scalds are caused by wet heat in the form of steam, hot water, or fat.

-Electrical burns are caused by a high voltage passing through the body. In severe cases electrical shocks can lead to instant death.

-Burns caused by liquid oxygen and nitrogen are called cold burns.

-Radiation burns are caused as a result of over exposure to sun's rays and made more severe by reflection from snow or white sand. On some occasions deep X-rays can cause burn as well.

Some are cases when the burns are more than 2.5cm square involving more than superficial layers of the skin, medical attention is required. If more than 9 percent of the body surface is involved then hospital treatment is essential.