QUEMADURAS - Parte 2. GRADOS de las QUEMADURAS. Clasificación según PROFUNDIDAD

Takeaways

• 😀 Burns are classified based on depth into first-degree, second-degree (superficial and deep), and third-degree burns.
• 😀 First-degree burns affect only the epidermis, causing redness and mild pain, often seen in sunburns.
• 😀 Second-degree superficial burns affect the epidermis and papillary dermis, causing blisters and intense pain, common in burns from hot water or steam.
• 😀 Second-degree deep burns affect the epidermis and reticular dermis but not the subcutaneous tissue, causing slow healing and possible scarring.
• 😀 Third-degree burns affect all skin layers and deeper structures like muscles and bones, leading to severe tissue damage, often from fire or prolonged heat exposure.
• 😀 Fourth-degree burns were once a separate category but are now considered part of third-degree burns, affecting bones and muscles.
• 😀 The skin's anatomy is crucial for understanding burn depth, as the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis are the key layers affected by burns.
• 😀 The pain associated with burns can vary significantly, with second-degree burns being more painful due to exposed nerve endings, while third-degree burns might involve pain in the peripheral areas but not the central burn area.
• 😀 Healing times for burns vary by degree, with first-degree burns typically healing in 3-5 days, second-degree superficial burns in 7-14 days, and second-degree deep and third-degree burns taking much longer, sometimes requiring surgical intervention.
• 😀 Sequelae from burns may include scarring, loss of mobility (especially if joints are involved), and permanent changes in skin pigmentation. Psychological effects can also be significant, especially with severe burns.

Q & A

What are the three main layers of the skin?

The three main layers of the skin are the epidermis (outer layer), dermis (middle layer), and hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue).

What characterizes first-degree burns?

First-degree burns affect only the epidermis, causing redness, dryness, and mild pain. They usually heal in 3 to 5 days without long-term effects.

What is a typical example of a first-degree burn?

A typical example of a first-degree burn is a sunburn.

How do second-degree burns differ from first-degree burns?

Second-degree burns affect both the epidermis and part of the dermis. They cause blisters, significant pain, and may take 7 to 14 days to heal, sometimes leaving scars.

What are the two types of second-degree burns?

The two types of second-degree burns are superficial second-degree burns, which affect only the upper dermis, and deep second-degree burns, which extend deeper into the dermis without reaching the hypodermis.

What is the main symptom of second-degree superficial burns?

The main symptom of second-degree superficial burns is the formation of blisters (flictenas), and they can be extremely painful.

What are the key characteristics of third-degree burns?

Third-degree burns affect the entire thickness of the skin, including the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, and can even involve muscles and bones. The burn site may appear leathery, white, or charred, and there may be no pain in the center of the burn due to nerve destruction.

How do third-degree burns differ in terms of pain compared to second-degree burns?

Third-degree burns are less painful in the center due to nerve destruction, but the outer edges of the burn can still be very painful, as nerve endings may be intact in those areas.

What is the current classification for fourth-degree burns?

The term 'fourth-degree burns' is outdated. These burns, which involve damage to bones or muscles, are now classified as third-degree burns.

What are the potential complications and sequels of third-degree burns?

Third-degree burns can lead to severe complications like scarring, permanent disfigurement, joint immobility, psychological trauma, and even amputations. Treatment often requires surgical interventions like debridement and skin grafts.