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burn

 

Definition

Burns are injuries to tissues caused by heat, friction, electricity, radiation, or chemicals.

Description

Burns are characterized by degree, based on the severity of the tissue damage. A first-degree burn causes

redness and swelling in the outermost layers of skin (epidermis). A second-degree burn involves redness, swelling and blistering, and the damage may extend beneath the epidermis to deeper layers of skin (dermis). A third-degree burn, also called a full-thickness burn, destroys the entire depth of skin, causing significant scarring. Damage also may extend to the underlying fat, muscle, or bone.

The severity of the burn is also judged by the amount of body surface area (BSA) involved. Health care workers use the "rule of nines" to determine the percentage of BSA affected in patients more than 9 years old: each arm with its hand is 9% of BSA; each leg with its foot is 18%; the front of the torso is 18%; the back of the torso, including the buttocks, is 18%; the head and neck are 9%; and the genital area (perineum) is 1%. This rule cannot be applied to a young child's body proportions, so BSA is estimated using the palm of the patient's hand as a measure of 1% area.

The severity of the burn will determine not only the type of treatment, but also where the burn patient should receive treatment. Minor burns may be treated at home or in a doctor's office. These are defined as first- or second-degree burns covering less than 15% of an adult's body or less than 10% of a child's body, or a third-degree burn on less than 2% BSA. Moderate burns should be treated at a hospital. These are defined as first- or second-degree burns covering 15%-25% of an adult's body or 10%-20% of a child's body, or a third-degree burn on 2%-10% BSA. Critical, or major, burns are the most serious and should be treated in a specialized burn unit of a hospital. These are defined as first- or second-degree burns covering more than 25% of an adult's body or more than 20% of a child's body, or a third-degree burn on more than 10% BSA. In addition, burns involving the hands, feet, face, eyes, ears, or genitals are considered critical. Other factors influence the level of treatment needed, including associated injuries such as bone fractures and smoke inhalation, presence of a chronic disease, or a history of being abused. Also, children and the elderly are more vulnerable to complications from burn injuries and require more intensive care.

— Bethany Thivierge



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Dictionary: burn1   (bûrn) pronunciation
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v., burned, or burnt (bûrnt), burn·ing, burns.

v.tr.
    1. To cause to undergo combustion.
    2. To destroy with fire: burned the trash; burn a house down.
    3. To consume (fuel or energy, for example): burned all the wood that winter.
  1. Physics. To cause to undergo nuclear fission or fusion.
  2. To damage or injure by fire, heat, radiation, electricity, or a caustic agent: burned the toast; burned my skin with the acid.
    1. To execute or kill with fire: burning heretics at the stake.
    2. To execute by electrocution.
    1. To make or produce by fire or heat: burn a hole in the rug.
    2. To dispel; dissipate: The sun burned off the fog.
    1. To use as a fuel: a furnace that burns coal.
    2. To metabolize (glucose, for example) in the body.
  3. To impart a sensation of intense heat to: The chili burned my mouth.
    1. To irritate or inflame, as by chafing or sunburn.
    2. To let (oneself or a part of one's body) become sunburned.
  4. To brand (an animal).
  5. To engrave or make indelible by as or as if by burning: The image of the accident was burned into my memory.
  6. To harden or impart a finish to by subjecting to intense heat; fire: burn clay pots in a kiln.
  7. To make angry: That remark really burns me.
    1. To defeat in a contest, especially by a narrow margin.
    2. Sports. To outplay or score on (an opponent), especially through quick or deceptive movement.
    3. To inflict harm or hardship on; hurt: "Huge loan losses have burned banks in recent years" (Christian Science Monitor).
    4. To swindle or deceive; cheat: We really got burned on the used car we bought.
  8. To record data on (a compact disk, for example).
v.intr.
    1. To undergo combustion.
    2. To admit of burning: Wood burns easily.
  1. To consume fuel: a rocket stage designed to burn for three minutes before being jettisoned.
  2. Physics. To undergo nuclear fission or fusion.
    1. To emit heat or light by or as if by fire: campfires burning in the dark; the sun burning brightly in the sky.
    2. To become dissipated or to be dispelled by or as if by heat: The fog burned off as the sun came up.
  3. To give off light; shine: a light burning over the door.
  4. To be destroyed, injured, damaged, or changed by or as if by fire: a house that burned to the ground; eggs that burned and stuck to the pan.
    1. To be very hot; bake: a desert burning under the midday sun.
    2. To feel or look hot: a child burning with fever.
    3. To impart a sensation of heat: a liniment that burns when first applied.
    1. To become irritated or painful, as by chafing or inflammation: eyes burning from the smoke.
    2. To become sunburned or windburned.
  5. To be consumed with strong emotion, especially:
    1. To be or become angry: an insult that really made me burn.
    2. To be very eager: was burning with ambition.
  6. To penetrate by or as if by intense heat or flames: enemy ground radar burning through the fighters' electronic jammers; a look that burned into them.
  7. To be engraved by or as if by burning: shame burning in my heart.
    1. To suffer punishment or death by or as if by fire: souls burning in hell.
    2. To be electrocuted.
n.
  1. An injury produced by fire, heat, radiation, electricity, or a caustic agent.
  2. A burned place or area: a cigarette burn in the tablecloth.
  3. An act, process, or result of burning: The fire settled down to a steady burn.
  4. A sensation of intense heat or stinging pain: a chili burn on the tongue; the burn of alcohol on an open wound.
  5. A sunburn or windburn.
  6. Aerospace. A firing of a rocket.
  7. A swindle.
phrasal verbs:

burn in

  1. To darken part of (a photograph print) by exposing unmasked areas.
burn out
  1. To stop burning from lack of fuel.
  2. To wear out or make or become inoperative as a result of heat or friction: The short circuit burned out the fuse.
  3. To cause (a property owner or a resident) to have to evacuate the premises because of fire: The shopkeeper was burned out by arsonists.
  4. To make or become exhausted, especially as a result of long-term stress: "Hours are long, stress is high, and many recruits drop out or burn out" (Robert J. Samuelson).
burn up
  1. To make angry: Their rudeness really burns me up.
  2. To travel over or through at high speed: drag racers burning up the track.

idioms:

burn (one's) bridges

  1. To eliminate the possibility of return or retreat.
burn the (or one's) candle at both ends
  1. To exhaust oneself or one's resources by leading a hectic or extravagant life.
burn the midnight oil
  1. To work or study very late at night.
to burn
  1. In great amounts: They had money to burn.

[Middle English burnen, from Old English beornan, to be on fire, and from bærnan, to set on fire.]

SYNONYMS   burn, scorch, singe, sear, char, parch. These verbs mean to injure or alter by means of intense heat or flames. Burn, the most general, applies to the effects of exposure to a source of heat or to something that can produce a similar effect: burned the muffins in the oven. Scorch involves superficial burning that discolors or damages the texture of something: scorched the shirt with the iron. Singe specifies superficial burning and especially the deliberate removal of projections such as feathers from a carcass before cooking: singed my eyelashes when the fire flared up; singed the chicken before roasting it. Sear applies to surface burning of organic tissue: seared the lamb over high heat. To char is to use fire to reduce a substance to carbon or charcoal: wood charred by the fire. Parch in this sense emphasizes the drying and often fissuring of a surface: the hot sun that parched the soil.


burn2 (bûrn) pronunciation
n. Scots
A small stream; a brook.

[Middle English, from Old English burna.]



Damage caused to the body by contact with flames, hot substances, some chemicals, radiation (including sunlight), or electricity. Burns are classified by depth of skin damage and by percentage of skin damaged. First-degree burns injure only the epidermis (top layer), with redness, pain, and minimal edema. In a second-degree burn, damage extends into the dermis (inner layer), with redness and blisters. Third-degree burns destroy the entire thickness of the skin. There is no pain, because the skin's pain receptors are destroyed. Burns deeper than the skin can release toxic materials into the bloodstream and may require amputation. Secondary shock follows severe burns, caused by loss of fluid both in the destroyed tissue and in leaks from the damaged area. Treatment depends on severity; first-degree burns need only first aid; third-degree burns require long-term hospitalization. Depending on the type, extent, and site of the burn, it may be left exposed, covered with a bandage, or excised to remove dead tissue in preparation for skin grafts. Complications of burns include respiratory problems, infection, ulcers in the stomach or duodenum, and, especially in brown skin, thick scarring. Seizures and hypertension after burns occur almost entirely in children. Survivors usually require plastic surgery, long-term physical therapy, and psychotherapy.

For more information on burn, visit Britannica.com.

An injury to tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or irradiation effects.

The commonest type of burn is that due to thermal injury, in which some portion of the body surface is exposed to either moist or dry heat of sufficient temperature to cause local and systemic reactions. Clinically, the extent of such a burn is often expressed as first degree, second degree, and so forth. Different systems of classification exist.

First-degree burns result in some redness and swelling of the injured part, without necrosis of any tissue or the formation of blisters. Healing is completed in a few days without scarring.

Second-degree burns show a variable destruction of parts of the epidermis so that blistering occurs. Healing by regeneration in such superficial burns does not necessitate skin grafting, unless secondary infections ensue; no scarring results.

Third-degree burns are marked by complete destruction of the epidermis of a region, including the necrosis of accessory skin structures like hair and sweat glands. A brownish-black eschar marks the destroyed tissue. This is sloughed off and that defect becomes filled with granulation tissue that later consolidates and changes to form a dense, thick scar. Complications may occur without adequate care, and grafting is not unusual, sometimes being required because of contracture of the scar tissue.

In fourth-degree burns, tissue is destroyed to the level of or below the deep fascia lying beneath the subcutaneous fat and connective tissue of the body. Muscle, bone, deeper nerves, and even organs may be injured or destroyed by this severe degree of burn. Healing is usually a slow, involved process, requiring much reparative and reconstructive work by surgical specialists.

Electrical burns result from the amount of heat incident to the flow of a certain amount of electricity through the resistance offered by tissues. From a practical standpoint, most of the resistance offered to the passage of an electric current is that of the skin and the interface between the skin and the external conductor. Therefore, most electrothermal injuries are limited to the skin and immediately subjacent tissues, although deep penetration may follow large voltages.

Most chemical burns result from the action of corrosive agents which destroy tissues at the point of contact. Exposure of the skin, eyes, and gastrointestinal tract are commonest.


Film production: in filming, image that remains after the camera has focused on a shining object and then withdrawn. The picture tends to retain an after-ghost of the original image, which actually burns into the camera's picture tube.

Printing: term used for the part of the printing process when the image is imprinted on the plate (plate exposure).

Trade name for an energy drink.

Food and Fitness: burns
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1. Thermal damage to the skin or other tissues as a result of excessive heat. During the performance of vigorous physical activities, heat is generated by friction and the skin can be burned wherever it rubs against another surface. When a burn has occurred, you should avoid activities that risk further friction.

2. A form of weight training designed to increase the size of muscle. The exerciser makes rapid half contractions which produce a burning sensation in the muscle. This is believed to be due to the pumping of blood into muscle. See also pumping-up.

Thesaurus: burn
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also burn up

verb

  1. To undergo combustion: blaze, combust, flame, flare. See hot/cold/lukewarm.
  2. To undergo or cause to undergo damage by or as if by fire: char, scorch, sear, singe. See hot/cold/lukewarm.
  3. To emit a bright light: beam, blaze, gleam, glow, incandesce, radiate, shine. See light/darkness.
  4. To feel or look hot: bake, broil, roast, swelter. See hot/cold/lukewarm.
  5. To feel or cause to feel a sensation of heat or discomfort: bite, smart, sting. See pain/pleasure.
  6. To cause to become sore or inflamed: inflame, irritate, sting. See help/harm/harmless.
  7. To cause to feel or show anger. anger, enrage, incense, infuriate, madden, provoke. Idioms: make one hot under the collar, make one's blood boil, put one's back up. See feelings.
  8. To be or become angry: anger, blow up, boil over, bristle, explode, flare up, foam, fume, rage, seethe. Informal steam. Idioms: blow a fuse, blow a gasket, blow one'sstacktop, breathe fire, fly off the handle, get hot under the collar, hit theceilingroof, lose one's temper, see red. See feelings.
  9. To be in a state of emotional or mental turmoil: boil, bubble, churn, ferment, seethe, simmer, smolder. See calm/agitation.

phrasal verb - burn out

    To lose so much strength and power as to become ineffective or motionless: give out, run down. Slang poop out. See tired/fresh.

noun

    Damage or a damaged substance that results from burning: char, scorch, sear, singe. See hot/cold/lukewarm.

Antonyms: burn
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v

Definition: be excited about; yearn for
Antonyms: stifle, subdue

v

Definition: be on fire; set on fire
Antonyms: cool, extinguish, put out, quench, smother, wet

v

Definition: cheat
Antonyms: aid, help



n

A lesion caused by contact of heat, radiation, friction, or chemicals with tissue. Thermal burns are classified as follows: first degree, manifested by erythema; second degree, manifested by formation of vesicles; third degree, manifested by necrosis of the mucosa or dermis; and fourth degree, manifested by charring into the submucous or subcutaneous layers of the body.

Definition

Burns are injuries to the tissues caused by heat, friction, electricity, radiation, or chemicals. Such injuries cause the breakdown of body proteins, death of cells, loss of body fluids, and edema.

Description

Burns vary depending on the cause, the intensity, and the body parts involved. They are classified by degree, based on the severity of the tissue damage: A first-degree burn causes redness and swelling in the outermost layers of skin called the epidermis. A second-degree burn involves redness, swelling, and blistering. The damage extends beneath the epidermis to the deeper layers of skin, the dermis. A third-degree burn, also called a full-thickness burn, destroys the entire depth of skin, causing significant scarring. Damage also may extend to the underlying fat, muscle, or bone. Third-degree burns require immediate medical attention. Burns are the third leading cause of accidental death in North America.

The severity of a burn is judged by the amount of body surface area (BSA) involved as well as the depth of the burn. A burn is considered to be critical, or major, if a person has third-degree burns on more than 10% of the BSA or second-degree burns covering more than 25% of an adult's BSA, and more than 20% of a child's BSA. Such burns are serious and should be treated in a specialized hospital burn unit. Burns involving the hands, feet, face, eyes, ears, or genitals are considered critical, as well. Moderate burns are defined as first- or second-degree burns covering 15%-25% of an adult's body or 10%-20% of a child's body, or a third-degree burn on 2%-10% BSA. These burns also require medical attention.

Causes & Symptoms

Burns may be caused by any encounter, however brief, with heat greater than 120°F (49°C). The source of this heat may be the sun, hot liquids, steam, fire, electricity, friction (rug burns and rope burns,) and chemicals. Signs that the skin has been burned are localized redness, swelling, and pain. A blister may develop. The skin may peel, appear white or charred, and feel numb. A burn may trigger a headache or fever, and extensive burns may induce shock.

Thermal burns are caused by heat sources such as fire, hot liquids, gases or other objects. Radiation burns are usually due to excess exposure to the sun's rays, tanning beds, or x rays. Chemical burns are most likely to come from strong acids, alkalis, phenols, or phosphorus. Electrical burns may be quite severe due to the high heat generated by electric currents.

Diagnosis

A physician will diagnose a burn based upon visual examination, and will ask questions to determine the history of contact with possible sources of damage. Depending on the circumstances, there should be an evaluation of the condition of the lungs and breathing, related injuries, evidence of any suspected child abuse, and the extent and location of the burn. Shock and infection are often the results of moderate and major burns, and should be included in any evaluation.

Treatment

A number of herbal remedies, applied topically, can help mild burns heal. These include aloe (Aloe barbadensis or Aloe vera), St. John's wort,(Hypericum perforatum) Calendula officinalis, comfrey root (Symphytum officinale), and tea tree oil (Melaleuca spp.)

Nutritional support is particularly important for burn victims. Supplementing the diet with vitamins A, C, and E, zinc and B-complex, essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omego-6) and eating foods high in these nutrients can be very beneficial to the healing process. Proteins and fluid intake should be increased to replace losses. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approach recommends foods that remove heat and toxins, nourish yin, and promote the production of body fluids. These foods include mung beans, kidney beans, lima beans, soybeans, cucumbers, potatoes, summer squash, sweet potatoes, and barley. In addition, freshly juiced ginger, potatoes, and cucumbers can be applied to burns to reduce pain and swelling. The pulp of fresh pumpkin can be used as a poultice (soft compress applied to the affected area). Chamomile tea decreases anxiety.

Homeopathic treatment should be given as soon as possible after the onset of the burn injury. Cantharis 30c is the most noteworthy remedy for burns. It is recommended to keep blisters from forming. A dose can be taken every 15 minutes for up to six doses.

Homeopathic calendula mother tincture can be useful to promote the healing of burns. Ten drops should be added to one ounce of water and applied to the burn three times daily. Arnica montana 30c can help prevent shock. Urtica urens 6c and Causticum 6c may also be useful for burns. Urtica may be applied to the skin as an ointment as well.

Guided imagery can assist with pain control.

Allopathic Treatment

Burn treatment usually consists of relieving pain, preventing infection, and maintaining body fluids, electrolytes, and calorie intake while the body heals. Children and the elderly are more vulnerable to complications from burn injuries and require more intensive care. Other factors that influence treatment include associated injuries such as bone fractures and smoke inhalation, presence of a chronic disease, a history of abuse, and the occurrence of shock or infection. Moderate and major burns should always be treated by a medical practitioner.

The first act of treating a burn is to stop the burning process. Small thermal burns should be immediately placed in cold water if possible. To avoid infection, the wound should be cleaned with soap and water, and all dirt should be carefully removed. Butter, shortening, or similar salve should never be applied to the burn since it prevents heat from escaping and drives the burning process deeper into the skin. Minor burns should be cleaned gently with soap and water. If the skin is broken or apt to be disturbed, the burned area should be coated lightly with an antibacterial ointment and covered with a sterile bandage. Pain relievers such as aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used as needed. A doctor should be consulted if signs of infection appear: increased warmth, redness, pain, or swelling; pus or similar drainage from the wound; swollen lymph nodes; or red streaks spreading from the burn.

At an accident site, the victim should be immediately removed from the burning process. Clothing should be removed from all affected areas. Any clothing embedded in the burn should not be disturbed. Dry chemicals should be brushed from the skin; burns caused by acids, alkalis, phosphorus, or organic compounds, such as phenols and cresols, should be flushed with water continuously over an extended time.

In cases of moderate and major burn damage, further medical treatment may include assessment of breathing and treatment if the patient's airways or lungs have been damaged; a flush of any chemicals; and the administering of intravenous fluids, since burns may dramatically deplete body fluids. Antibiotic ointments are usually applied to burns, and the patient is also given antibiotics intravenously to prevent infection. A tetanus shot may also be given. Dead tissue is surgically removed, or debrided. Once the burned area is cleaned and treated, it is usually covered with sterile bandages. Oral narcotics such as codeine may be required for pain relief. The burn patient may have to undergo physical and occupational therapy. If there is extensive scarring, a skin graft is usually performed.

Expected Results

Prognosis is dependent upon the degree of the burn, the amount of body surface covered, whether critical body parts are affected, any additional injuries or complications, and the promptness of medical treatment. The epidermis in first-degree burns regenerates rapidly; not much scarring results unless infection develops. With deeper burns, the process of healing is slow, and scars often develop. This may limit mobility and function, making physical therapy necessary. In some cases, surgery may be advisable to remove scar tissue and restore appearance. Some people, especially young women and people with dark skin, may develop keloids.

Secondary infections are common, and may be a major cause of loss of function, disfigurement, and death. Patients with burns over more than 40% BSA, those older than 60 years old, and those with inhalation injuries are at risk for burn injuries that result in death.

Prevention

Burns are commonly received from fires in the home. Properly placed and working smoke detectors in combination with rapid evacuation plans will minimize a person's exposure to smoke and flames in the event of a fire. Children must be taught never to play with matches, lighters, fireworks, gasoline or cleaning fluids.

Burns from scalding with hot water or other liquids may be prevented by setting the water heater thermostat no higher than 120°F (49°C), checking the temperature of bath water before getting into the tub, and turning pot handles on the stove out of the reach of children. Care should be used when removing covers from pans of steaming foods and when uncovering or opening foods heated in a microwave oven.

Sunburns may be avoided by the liberal use of sunscreen. Hats, loose clothing, and umbrellas also provide protection, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the most damaging ultraviolet rays are present.

Burns are often received from electrical appliances. Care should be exercised around stoves, space heaters, irons, and curling irons. Electrical burns may be prevented by covering unused outlets with safety plugs and keeping electrical cords away from infants and toddlers who might chew on them.

Chemical burns may be prevented by wearing protective clothing, including gloves and eye shields. Chemicals should always be used according to the manufacturer's instructions and properly stored when not in use.

Resources

Books

The Burton Goldberg Group. Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide. Washington: Future Medicine Publishing, 1995.

Lininger, D.C., Skye, editor-in-chief, et al. The Natural Pharmacy. California: Prima Health, 1998.

Lockie, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Nicola Geddes. The Complete Guide to homeopathy: The principles and Practice of Treatment with a Comprehensive Range of Self-Help Remedies for Common Ailments. London: Dorling Kindersley, Ltd., 1995.

Organizations

Shriners Hospitals for Children. 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607-1435.

Other

Health Answers. http://www.healthanswers.com (January 17, 2001).

The Merck Manual.http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual/section20/chapter276/276a.htm (January 17, 2001).

[Article by: Patience Paradox]

Definition

Burns are injuries to tissues that are caused by heat, friction, electricity, radiation, or chemicals.

Description

Burns are characterized by degree, based on the severity of the tissue damage. A first-degree burn causes redness and swelling in the outermost layers of skin (epidermis). A second-degree burn involves redness, swelling and blistering, and the damage may extend beneath the epidermis to deeper layers of skin (dermis). A third-degree burn, also called a full-thickness burn, destroys the entire depth of skin, causing significant scarring. Damage also may extend to the underlying fat, muscle, or bone.

Demographics

The severity of the burn is also judged by the amount of body surface area (BSA) involved. Healthcare workers use the "rule of nines" to determine the percentage of BSA affected in people more than 9 years of age: each arm with its hand is 9 percent of BSA; each leg with its foot is 18 percent; the front of the torso is 18 percent; the back of the torso, including the buttocks, is 18 percent; the head and neck are 9 percent; and the genital area (perineum) is 1 percent. This rule cannot be applied to a young child's body proportions, so BSA is estimated using the palm of a person's hand as a measure of 1 percent area.

The severity of the burn determines the type of treatment and also where the burned person should receive treatment. Minor burns may be treated at home or in a doctor's office. These are defined as first- or second-degree burns covering less than 15 percent of an adult's body or less than 10 percent of a child's body, or a third-degree burn on less than 2 percent BSA. Moderate burns should be treated at a hospital. These are defined as first- or second-degree burns covering 15 percent to 25 percent of an adult's body or 10 percent to 20 percent of a child's body, or a third-degree burn on 2 percent to 10 percent BSA. Critical, or major, burns are the most serious and should be treated in a specialized burn unit of a hospital. These are defined as first- or second-degree burns covering more than 25 percent of an adult's body or more than 20 percent of a child's body, or a third-degree burn on more than 10 percent BSA. In addition, burns involving the hands, feet, face, eyes, ears, or genitals are considered critical. Other factors influence the level of treatment needed, including associated injuries such as bone fractures and smoke inhalation, presence of a chronic disease, or a history of abuse. Also, children and the elderly are more vulnerable to complications from burn injuries and require more intensive care.

Causes and Symptoms

Burns may be caused by even a brief encounter with heat greater than 120°F (49°C). The source of this heat may be the sun (causing a sunburn), hot liquids, steam, fire, electricity, friction (causing rug burns and rope burns), and chemicals (causing caustic burn upon contact).

Signs of a burn are localized redness, swelling, and pain. A severe burn will also blister. The skin may also peel, appear white or charred, and feel numb. A burn may trigger a headache and fever. Extensive burns may induce shock, the symptoms of which are faintness, weakness, rapid pulse and breathing, pale and clammy skin, and bluish lips and fingernails.

When to Call the Doctor

A physician or healthcare professional should be consulted whenever first or second degree burns cover more than 15 percent of a person's body surface area (BSA) or third degree burns involve more than 2 percent of a victim's BSA.

Diagnosis

A physician will diagnose a burn based on visual examination and will also ask the burned person or family members questions to determine the best treatment. He or she may also check for smoke inhalation, carbon monoxide poisoning, cyanide poisoning, other event-related trauma, or, if suspected, evidence of child abuse.

Treatment

Burn treatment consists of relieving pain, preventing infection, and maintaining body fluids, electrolytes, and calorie intake while the body heals. Treatment of chemical or electrical burns is slightly different from the treatment of thermal burns but the objectives are the same.

Thermal Burn Treatment

The first act of thermal burn treatment is to stop the burning process. This may be accomplished by letting cool water run over the burned area or by soaking it in cool (not cold) water. Ice should never be applied to a burn. Cool (not cold) wet compresses may provide some pain relief when applied to small areas of first- and second-degree burns. Butter, shortening, or similar salve should never be applied to the burn because these prevent heat from escaping and drive the burning process deeper into the skin.

If the burn is minor, it may be cleaned gently with soap and water. Blisters should not be broken. If the skin of the burned area is unbroken and it is not likely to be further irritated by pressure or friction, the burn should be left exposed to the air to promote healing. If the skin is broken or apt to be disturbed, the burned area should be coated lightly with an antibacterial ointment and covered with a sterile bandage. Aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen may be taken to ease pain and relieve inflammation. A doctor should be consulted if these signs of infection appear: increased warmth, redness, pain, or swelling; pus or similar drainage from the wound; swollen lymph nodes; or red streaks spreading away from the burn.

In situations in which a person has received moderate or critical burns, lifesaving measures take precedence over burn treatment, and emergency medical assistance must be called. A person with serious burns may stop breathing, and artificial respiration (also called mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or rescue breathing) should be administered immediately. Also, a person with burns covering more than 12 percent BSA is likely to go into shock; this condition may be prevented by laying the person flat and elevating the feet about 12 inches (30 cm). Burned arms and hands should also be raised higher than the person's heart.

In rescues, a blanket may be used to smother any flames as the person is removed from danger. The person whose clothing is on fire should "stop, drop, and roll" or be assisted in lying flat on the ground and rolling to put out the fire. Afterwards, only burned clothing that comes off easily should be removed; any clothing embedded in the burn should not be disturbed. Removing any smoldering apparel and covering the person with a light, cool, wet cloth, such as a sheet but not a blanket or towel, will stop the burning process.

At the hospital, the staff provide further medical treatment. A tube to aid breathing may be inserted if the person's airways or lungs have been damaged, as can happen during an explosion or a fire in an enclosed space. Also, because burns dramatically deplete the body of fluids, replacement fluids are administered intravenously. The person is also given antibiotics intravenously to prevent infection, and he or she may also receive a tetanus shot, depending on his or her immunization history. Once the burned area is cleaned and treated with antibiotic cream or ointment, it is covered in sterile bandages, which are changed two to three times a day. Surgical removal of dead tissue (debridement) also takes place. As the burns heal, thick, taut scabs (eschar) form, which the doctor may have to cut to improve blood flow to the more elastic healthy tissue beneath. The person will also undergo physical and occupational therapy to keep the burned areas from becoming inflexible and to minimize scarring.

In cases where the skin has been so damaged that it cannot properly heal, a skin graft is usually performed. A skin graft involves taking a piece of skin from an unburned portion of the person's body (autograft) and transplanting it to the burned area. When doctors cannot immediately use the individual's own skin, a temporary graft is performed using the skin of a human donor (allograft), either alive or dead, or the skin of an animal (xenograft), usually that of a pig.

The burn victim also may be placed in a hyperbaric chamber, if one is available. In a hyperbaric chamber (which can be a specialized room or enclosed space), the person is exposed to pure oxygen under high pressure, which can aid in healing. However, for this therapy to be effective, the burned individual must be placed in a chamber within 24 hours of being burned.

Chemical Burn Treatment

Burns from liquid chemicals must be rinsed with cool water for at least 15 minutes to stop the burning process. Any burn to the eye must be similarly flushed with water. In cases of burns from dry chemicals such as lime, the powder should be completely brushed away before the area is washed. Any clothing which may have absorbed the chemical should be removed. The burn should then be loosely covered with a sterile gauze pad and the person taken to the hospital for further treatment. A physician may be able to neutralize the offending chemical with another before treating the burn like a thermal burn of similar severity.

Electrical Burn Treatment

Before electrical burns are treated at the site of the accident, the power source must be disconnected if possible and the victim moved away from it to keep the person giving aid from being electrocuted. Lifesaving measures again take priority over burn treatment, so breathing must be checked and assisted if necessary. Electrical burns should be loosely covered with sterile gauze pads and the person taken to the hospital for further treatment.

Alternative Treatment

In addition to the excellent treatment of burns provided by traditional medicine, some alternative approaches may be helpful as well. (Major burns should always be treated by a medical practitioner.) The homeopathic remedies Cantharis and Causticum can assist in burn healing. A number of botanical remedies, applied topically, can also help burns heal. These include aloe (Aloe barbadensis), oil of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), calendula (Calendula officinalis), comfrey (Symphytum officinale), and tea tree oil (Melaleuca spp.). Supplementing the diet with vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc also is beneficial for wound healing.

Prognosis

The prognosis is dependent upon the degree of the burn, the amount of body surface covered, whether critical body parts were affected, any additional injuries or complications like infection, and the promptness of medical treatment. Minor burns may heal in five to ten days with no scarring. Moderate burns may heal in ten to 14 days and may leave scarring. Critical or major burns take more than 14 days to heal and leave significant scarring. Scar tissue may limit mobility and functionality, but physical therapy may overcome these limitations. In some cases, additional surgery may be advisable to remove scar tissue and restore appearance.

Prevention

Burns are commonly received in residential fires. Properly placed and working smoke detectors in combination with rapid evacuation plans minimize a person's exposure to smoke and flames in the event of a fire. Children must be taught never to play with matches, lighters, fireworks, gasoline, and cleaning fluids.

Burns by scalding with hot water or other liquids may be prevented by setting the water heater thermostat no higher than 120°F (49°C), checking the temperature of bath water before getting into the tub, and turning pot handles on the stove out of the reach of children. Care should be used when removing covers from pans of steaming foods and when uncovering or opening foods heated in a microwave oven.

Thermal burns are often received from electrical appliances. Care should be exercised around stoves, space heaters, irons, and curling irons.

Sunburns may be avoided by the liberal use of a sunscreen containing either an opaque active ingredient such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide or a nonopaque active ingredient such as PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) or benzophenone. Hats, loose clothing, and umbrellas also provide protection, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the most damaging ultraviolet rays are present in direct sunlight.

Electrical burns may be prevented by covering unused electrical outlets with safety plugs and keeping electrical cords away from infants and toddlers who might chew on them. Persons should also seek shelter indoors during a thunderstorm to avoid being struck by lightning.

Chemical burns may be prevented by wearing protective clothing, including gloves and eyeshields. Chemical agents should always be used according to the manufacturer's instructions and properly stored when not in use.

Nutritional Concerns

Adequate nutrition, including liquids and electrolytes, is essential when recovering from burns.

Parental Concerns

Parents should fire-proof their homes to protect small children. They should teach fire safety to their children from a very young age. Smoke detectors should be installed and tested at least twice each year. Parents are advised to discuss fire and escape routes (including alternates) from their home with their children. Holding a fire drill at night may be momentarily unpopular but may save lives and prevent serious injuries. Proper childproofing tools can prevent young children from being burned in the kitchen and bathroom.

Resources

Books

Antoon, Alia Y., and Mary K. Donovan. "Burn Injuries." In Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 17th ed. Edited by Richard E. Behrman, et al. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2003, pp. 330–7.

Bosworth, Chrissie. Burns Trauma: Management and Nursing Care, 2nd ed. London: Whurr Publishers, 2002.

Demling, Robert H., and Jonathon D. Gates. "Medical Aspects of Trauma and Burn Care." In Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd ed. Edited by Lee Goldman, et al. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2003, pp. 642–8.

Hall, Jesse B., and Gregory Schmidt. Principles of Critical Care, 3rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2004.

Periodicals

Collier, M. L., et al. "Home treadmill friction injuries: a five-year review." Journal of Burn Care Rehabilitation 25, no. 5 (2004): 441–4.

Patterson, D. R., et al. "Optimizing control of pain from severe burns: a literature review." American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis 47, no. 1 (2004): 43–54.

Rabbitts, A., et al. "Car radiator burns: a prevention issue." Journal of Burn Care Rehabilitation 25, no. 5 (2004): 452–5.

Stokes, D. J., et al. "The effect of burn injury on adolescents' autobiographical memory." Behavior Research and Therapy 42, no. 11 (2004): 1357–65.

Organizations

American Academy of Dermatology. 930 N. Meacham Road, PO Box 4014, Schaumburg, IL 60168–4014. Web site: www.aad.org/.

American Academy of Emergency Medicine. 611 East Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. Web site: www.aaem.org/.

American Academy of Family Physicians. 11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Leawood, KS 66211–2672. Web site: www.aafp.org/.

American Academy of Pediatrics. 141 Northwest Point Boulevard, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007–1098. Web site: www.aap.org/default.htm.

American College of Emergency Physicians. PO Box 619911, Dallas, TX 75261–9911. Web site: www.acep.org/.

American College of Surgeons. 633 North St. Clair Street, Chicago, IL 60611–32311. Web site: www.facs.org/.

International Shrine Headquarters. 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607–1460. Web site: www.shrinershq.org/index.html.

Web Sites

"Burns." KidsHealth. Available online at (accessed December 7, 2004).

"Burns." MedlinePlus. Available online at www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/burns.html (accessed December 7, 2004).

"Burns." Merck Manual. Available online at www.merck.com/mmhe/sec24/ch289/ch289a.html (accessed December 7, 2004).

"Burns: Taking Care of Burns." American College of Family Physicians, September 2002. Available online at (accessed December 7, 2004).

"Chemical Burns to the Skin." University of Iowa Health Care. Available online at www.uihealthcare.com/topics/prepareemergencies/prep4904.html (accessed December 7, 2004).

[Article by: L. Fleming Fallon, Jr., MD, DrPH]



v. to deliberately expose the true status of a person under cover.

n.

the legitimate destruction and burning of classified material, usually accomplished by the custodian of the material, as prescribed in regulations.

See the Introduction, Abbreviations and Pronunciation for further details.

English Folklore: burns
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A spoken charm for curing burns and scalds has been recorded from various parts of England. The Shropshire version ran:

There was three angels came from the west,
The one brought fire and the other brought frost,
The other brought the book of Jesus Christ.
In the name of Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Amen.
(Burne, 1883: 183-4)


From Fittleworth (Sussex), there is more information about the associated ritual. The words, there called a ‘blessing’, could only be used on a Sunday evening by one particular woman, who would bow her head, blow on the burn, and murmur:
There came two Angels from the north,
One was fire and one was Frost.
Out, Fire; in Frost.
In the name of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
(Latham, 1878: 35-6)

Damage to the skin or other tissue as a result of excessive heat. In sport, burns are seldom caused by direct heat (except sunburn). They are usually caused by friction when the skin rubs against another surface. A burn should be cooled immediately with tap water or an ice pack. The pain of a minor burn may be relieved with an analgesic. Extensive burns require hospitalization. The ability of a burns sufferer to participate in sport is determined largely by the extent and location of the burns. Even with minor burns, activities that involve the risk of friction against the affected areas should be avoided. In the case of more severe burns, activities that could lead to infection should be avoided. See also blister, mat burn.

 
burn, injury resulting from exposure to heat, electricity, radiation, or caustic chemicals. Three degrees of burn are commonly recognized. In first-degree burns the outer layer of skin, called epidermis, becomes red, sensitive to the touch, and often swollen. Medical attention is not required but application of an ointment may relieve the pain. Second-degree burns are characterized by the variable destruction of epidermis and the formation of blisters; nerve endings may be exposed. The more serious cases should be seen by a physician and care should be taken to avoid infection. Local therapy includes application of a chemical such as silver nitrate to produce a soft crust, reduce the threat of infection, and relieve the pain. Third-degree burns involve destruction of the entire thickness of skin and the underlying connective tissue. In the more severe cases underlying bones are also charred. The surface area involved is more significant than the depth of the burn. Shock must be prevented or counteracted; blood transfusion may be required to replace lost body fluids. Invasion of various bacteria must be prevented or cured by administering antibiotics and other drugs. Morphine may be employed to ease pain. Long-term treatment may include transplantation of natural or artificial skin grafts.


Injury to tissues caused by contact with dry heat (fire), moist heat (steam or liquid), chemicals, electricity, lightning or radiation. The damage done by a burn includes shock due to the tissue damage, severe dehydration due to the loss of the protective effect of the skin, infection of the burn site, damage to lungs and eyes by exposure to high temperatures and smoke and debris, damage to external somatic addenda including vulva, teats, prepuce, scrotum. The critical decision in a burn case is whether to allow the animal a faint chance of recovery and therefore to continue with treatment. See also bushfire injury.

  • friction b. — the skin is damaged by the heat created by friction as by a rope burn, or when a dog is dragged by its lead behind a car.
  • full thickness b. — involves all of the epidermis and the dermis and may include underlying structures, as well. In alternative classification, it is equivalent to third- and fourth-degree burns.
  • partial thickness b. — involves part or all of the epidermis. Generally, equivalent to first- and second-degree burns.
  • solar b. — sunburn is noticeable mainly in white pigs, white cats and in dogs with little or no pigmentation on the nose (areas not protected by haircoat) or following close clipping. Of little importance in pigs, other than esthetic importance, but in dogs and cats causes actinic dermatitis, which occasionally precedes the development of squamous cell carcinoma. See also solar dermatitis, photosensitive dermatitis.
  • sole b. — damage caused to the sensitive laminae of the feet by the prolonged application of an overheated horseshoe during a shoeing session. The horse is very lame and part of the hoof may subsequently slough.
Word Tutor: burn
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pronunciation

IN BRIEF: An injury or damage cause by exposure to heat, chemicals, or radiation.

pronunciation We watched the fire burn the house down.

Wikipedia: Burn
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Burn
Classification and external resources
ICD-10 T20.-T31.
ICD-9 940-949
MeSH D002056

A burn is a type of injury that may be caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, light, radiation, or friction.[1][2] Burns can be highly variable in terms of the tissue affected, the severity, and resultant complications. Muscle, bone, blood vessel, dermal and epidermal tissue can all be damaged with subsequent pain due to profound injury to nerves. Depending on the location affected and the degree of severity, a burn victim may experience a wide number of potentially fatal complications including shock, infection, electrolyte imbalance and respiratory distress.[3] Beyond physical complications, burns can also result in severe psychological and emotional distress due to scarring and deformity.

Contents

Classification

Second-degree burn

The traditional system of classifying burns categorizes them as first-, second-, or third-degree. Most burns are first- to third-degree, with the higher-degree burns typically being used to classify burns postmortem.[4]

This system is however being replaced by one reflecting the need for surgical intervention. The burn depths are described as either superficial, superficial partial-thickness, deep partial-thickness, or full-thickness.[5] The following are brief descriptions of these classes:

By degree

Second-degree burn caused by contact with glue at 145 °C
  • First-degree burns are usually limited to redness (erythema), a white plaque and minor pain at the site of injury. These burns involve only the epidermis. Most sunburns can be included as first-degree burns.
  • Second-degree burns manifest as erythema with superficial blistering of the skin, and can involve more or less pain depending on the level of nerve involvement. Second-degree burns involve the superficial (papillary) dermis and may also involve the deep (reticular) dermis layer.
    Major second-degree burn caused by contact with boiling water
  • Third-degree burns occur when the epidermis is lost with damage to the subcutaneous tissue. Burn victims will exhibit charring and extreme damage of the epidermis, and sometimes hard eschar will be present. Third-degree burns result in scarring and victims will also exhibit the loss of hair shafts and keratin. These burns may require grafting.


Eight day old third-degree burn caused by motorcycle muffler.
  • Fourth-degree burns damage muscle, tendon, and ligament tissue, thus result in charring and catastrophic damage of the hypodermis. In some instances the hypodermis tissue may be partially or completely burned away as well as this may result in a condition called compartment syndrome, which threatens both the life and the limb of the patient. Grafting is required if the burn does not prove to be fatal.

Other classifications

A newer classification of "Superficial Thickness", "Partial Thickness" (which is divided into superficial and deep categories) and "Full Thickness" relates more precisely to the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layers of skin and is used to guide treatment and predict outcome.

Table 1. A description of the traditional and current classifications of burns.

Nomenclature Traditional nomenclature Depth Clinical findings
Superficial thickness first degree Epidermis involvement Erythema, minor pain, lack of blisters
Partial thickness – superficial second degree Superficial (papillary) dermis Blisters, clear fluid, and pain
Partial thickness – deep third degree Deep (reticular) dermis Whiter appearance
Full thickness fourth degree Epidermis, Dermis, and partial damage to subcutaneous fat, eschar formation and minimal pain, requires grafts.
Subdermal Fifth degree Complete destruction of Epidermis, Dermis, Subcutaneous fat, and underlying tissue and possibly fascia, bone, or muscle Hard, leather-like eschar, purple fluid, no sensation (insensate)

* It should however be noted that although fourth-degree is not a technical term, it is often used to describe burns that reach muscle and bone. Third-degree sufficiently describes all burns of this nature.

An even simpler, more accurate and more descriptive classification is epidermal, dermal and full thickness. Dermal injuries are subdivided into superficial, mid and deep.

Burns can also be assessed in terms of total body surface area (TBSA), which is the percentage affected by partial thickness or full thickness burns (superficial thickness burns are not counted). The rule of nines is used as a quick and useful way to estimate the affected TBSA.

Causes

Burns are caused by a wide variety of substances and external sources such as exposure to chemicals, friction, electricity, radiation, and heat.

Chemical burn

Most chemicals that cause severe chemical burns are strong acids or bases.[6] Chemical burns are usually caused by caustic chemical compounds, such as sodium hydroxide, silver nitrate, and more serious compounds (such as sulphuric acid and Nitric acid).[7] Hydrofluoric acid can cause damage down to the bone and its burns are sometimes not immediately evident.[8]

Electrical burn

Electrical burns are caused by an exogenous electric shock. Common causes of electrical burns include workplace injuries or being defibrillated or cardioverted without a conductive gel. Lightning is a rare cause of electrical burns. The internal injuries sustained may be disproportionate to the size of the burns seen, and the extent of the damage is not always obvious. Such injuries may lead to cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and unexpected falls with resultant fractures.[9]

Radiation burn

Radiation burns are caused by protracted exposure to UV light (as from the sun), tanning booths, radiation therapy (as patients who are undergoing cancer therapy), sunlamps, and X-rays. By far the most common burn associated with radiation is sun exposure, specifically two wavelengths of light UVA, and UVB, the latter being more dangerous. Tanning booths also emit these wavelengths and may cause similar damage to the skin such as irritation, redness, swelling, and inflammation. More severe cases of sun burn result in what is known as sun poisoning.

Scalding

Two-day-old scald caused by boiling radiator fluid.

Scalding is caused by hot liquids or gases, most commonly occurring from exposure to high temperature tap water.[10] A blister is a "bubble" in the skin filled with serous fluid as part of the body's reaction to the heat and nerve damage. The blister "roof" is dead. Steam is a common gas that causes scalds. The injury is usually regional and usually does not cause death. More damage can be caused if hot liquids enter an orifice. However, deaths have occurred in more unusual circumstances, such as when people have accidentally broken a steam pipe. The demographics that are of the highest risk to suffering from scalding are young children, with their delicate skin, and the elderly over 65 years of age.

Management

A local anesthetic is usually sufficient in managing pain of minor first-degree and second-degree burns. There is mixed evidence to suggest that Aloe vera sap (although sap from leaves from other members of the Jade plant family--such as Kalanchoe--with succulent leaves also seem to work) helps to heal the burn area[citation needed]. However, systemic anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen or ibuprofen may be effective in mitigating pain and swelling. Additionally, topical antibiotics such as Mycitracin are useful in preventing infection to the damaged area.[11] Lidocaine can be administered to the spot of injury and will generally negate most of the pain. Regardless of the cause, the first step in managing a person with a burn is to stop the burning process at the source, and cool the burn wound (but not the patient. It is essential to avoid the "lethal triad" of hypothermia, acidosis and coagulopathy). For instance, with dry powder burns, the powder should be brushed off first. With other burns the affected area should be rinsed thoroughly with a large amount of clean water. Cold water should not be applied to a person with extensive burns, however, as it may compromise the burn victim's temperature status.

If the patient was involved in a fire accident, then it must be assumed that he or she has sustained an inhalation injury until proven otherwise, and treatment should be managed accordingly. At this stage of management, it is also critical to assess the airway status. Any hint of burn injury to the lungs (e.g. through smoke inhalation) is considered a medical emergency.

Once the burning process has been stopped, the patient should be volume resuscitated according to the Parkland formula (4ml lactated ringers x TBSA(total body surface area) % burned x pt. weight in kg.for first 24 hours), since such injuries can disturb a person's osmotic balance. This formula dictates the amount of Lactated Ringer's solution (Hartmann's solution) to deliver in the first twenty four hours after time of injury. This formula excludes first degree burns, so erythema alone is discounted. Half of the fluid should be given in the first eight hours post injury and the rest in the subsequent sixteen hours. Inhalation injuries in conjunction with thermal burns initially require up to 40–50% more fluid. The formula is a guide only and infusions must be tailored to the urine output and central venous pressure. Inadequate fluid resuscitation causes renal failure and death but over-resuscitation also causes morbidity and mortality. All resuscitation formulae should be delivered as a goal directed therapy to prevent the complications of hypovolaemic shock or over-hydration. Adequate pain management, including administration of opioid analgesics and sometimes other medication (e.g. ketamine, tranquilizers or general anesthetics), is important to alleviate the severe distress from the burns.

Hyperbaric oxygenation has not been shown to be a useful adjunct to traditional treatments.[12]

To help ease the suffering of a burn victim, they may be placed in a special burn recovery bed which evenly distributes body weight and helps to prevent painful pressure points and bed sores. Survival and outcome of severe burn injuries is remarkably improved if the patient is treated in a specialized burn center/unit rather than a hospital. Serious burns, especially if they cover large areas of the body, can result in death.

Reactions and complications

Following a major burn injury, heart rate and peripheral vascular resistance increase. This is due to the release of catecholamines from injured tissues, and the relative hypovolemia that occurs from fluid volume shifts. Initially cardiac output decreases. At approximately 24 hours after burn injuries (for patients receiving fluid resuscitation) cardiac output returns to normal, then increases to meet the hypermetabolic needs of the body.

Infection is a major complication of burns. Infection is linked to impaired resistance from disruption of the skin's mechanical integrity and generalized immune suppression. The skin barrier is replaced by eschar. This moist, protein rich avascular environment encourages microbial growth. Migration of immune cells is hampered, and there is a release of intermediaries that impede the immune response. Eschar also restricts distribution of systemically administered antibiotics because of its avascularity.

Risk factors of burn wound infection include:

  • Burn > 30% TBS
  • Full-thickness burn
  • Extremes in age (very young, very old)
  • Preexisting disease e.g. diabetes
  • Virulence and antibiotic resistance of colonizing organism
  • Failed skin graft
  • Improper initial burn wound care
  • Prolonged open burn wound

Burn wounds are prone to tetanus. A tetanus booster shot is required if individual has not been immunized within the last 5 years.

Circumferential burns of extremities may compromise circulation. Elevation of limb may help to prevent dependent edema. An Escharotomy may be required.

Acute Tubular Necrosis of the kidneys can be caused by myoglobin and hemoglobin released from damaged muscles and red blood cells. This is common in electrical burns or crush injuries where adequate fluid resuscitation has not been achieved.

See also

References

  1. ^ Burns MedlinePlus Accessed February 25, 2008
  2. ^ Burns Topic Overview WebMD Accessed February 27, 2008
  3. ^ A review of the complications of burns, their origin and importance for illness and death - Abstract J Trauma. 1979 May;19(5):358-69. Accessed February 27, 2008
  4. ^ Burn Degrees Lifespan.org Accessed February 24, 2008
  5. ^ Mertens DM, Jenkins ME, Warden GD (June 1997). "Outpatient burn management". Nurs. Clin. North Am. 32 (2): 343–64. PMID 9115481. 
  6. ^ Chemical Burn Causes emedicine Health Accessed February 24, 2008
  7. ^ Chemical Burn Causes eMedicine Accessed February 24, 2008
  8. ^ Hydrofluoric Acid Burns emedicine Accessed February 24, 2008
  9. ^ Electrical Burns: First Aid Mayo Clinic Accessed February 24, 2008
  10. ^ Scald and Burn Care, Public Education City of Rochester Hills Accessed February 24, 2008
  11. ^ Minor Burns quickcare.org Accessed February 25, 2008
  12. ^ Villanueva E, Bennett MH, Wasiak J, Lehm JP (2004). "Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for thermal burns". Cochrane Database Syst Rev (3): CD004727. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004727.pub2. PMID 15266540. 

External links


Translations: Burn
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Dansk (Danish)
1.
v. tr. - brænde, fortære
v. intr. - brænde, fortæres
n. - brandsår, forbrænding

idioms:

  • burn down    nedbrænde, brænde ned
  • burn in    afprøve ny hardware, brænde (stencil)
  • burn off    forbrænde, brænde af
  • burn one's boats    brænde sine broer
  • burn one's bridges    brænde sine broer
  • burn one's fingers    brænde fingrene
  • burn out    brænde ud, udbrænde
  • burn the candle at both ends    brænde sit lys i begge ender
  • burn the midnight oil    arbejde til sent på natten, være oppe til langt ud på natten
  • burn to the ground    brænde ned til grunden
  • burn up    brænde op, brænde af, afbrænde
  • have money to burn    have penge som græs, have penge at brænde af

2.
n. - løftekran

Nederlands (Dutch)
branden, verbranden, aanbranden, blakeren, schroeien, pijn doen, gloeien, op de brandstapel doodmaken, invreten, geëmotioneerd zijn, verlangen, sjezen, bloed onder de nagels vandaan halen, brandwond, ontbranding van (raket) motor, het wegbranden van vegetatie, schoongebrande plek in bos etc., saffie

Français (French)
1.
v. tr. - brûler, incendier, mettre le feu à, faire brûler, (Culin) laisser brûler, laisser attacher, (fig) se brûler, fondre (l'argent), brûler/ronger (par l'acide), brûler (la peau), (US) escroquer
v. intr. - brûler, être allumé, prendre au fond (le lait, la sauce), être brûlé vif, (fig) brûler de, ronger, se graver, (Aérosp) brûler
n. - (Méd) brûlure, (Aérosp) combustion, ruisseau

idioms:

  • burn down    brûler complètement, être réduit en cendres, baisser (feu), incendier
  • burn in    (Comput) tester (nouveau logiciel), (Phot) exposer à la lumière (mise en relief des détails)
  • burn off    décaper (au chalumeau), s'évaporer (de l'alcool), (Méd) cautériser (une verrue), (Ind) faire brûler, (fig) dépenser (de l'énergie)
  • burn one's boats    brûler ses vaisseaux, être trop tard
  • burn one's bridges    brûler ses vaisseaux, être trop tard
  • burn one's fingers    (fig) se brûler les doigts
  • burn oneself out    s'user (à force de travail)
  • burn out    s'éteindre, griller, sauter, laisser brûler jusqu'au bout (une bougie), forcer à sortir (en mettant le feu) (troupes ennemies, etc)
  • burn someone out    forcer à sortir qn (en mettant le feu)
  • burn someone up    (US) foutre qn en rogne (fam)
  • burn something into    ronger (qch), (fig) graver (qch)
  • burn something out    s'éteindre, griller, sauter, (Aut) brûler (la garniture des freins), (Élec) court-circuiter
  • burn the candle at both ends    brûler la chandelle par les deux bouts
  • burn the midnight oil    lire ou travailler tard
  • burn to the ground    brûler complètement
  • burn up    brûler (entièrement), consumer, griller, flétrir, foutre (qn) en pétard (fam), s'emporter, se consumer, être brûlant (de fièvre)
  • go for the burn    conduire très vite
  • have money to burn    avoir de l'argent à brûler

2.
n. - (Écosse) ruisseau

Deutsch (German)
1.
v. - brennen, verbrennen, anbrennen, glühen, ätzen, verfeuern, neuen Hardware testen
n. - Brandwunde, Brandfleck/-loch

idioms:

  • burn down    abbrennen, herunterbrennen, niederbrennen
  • burn in    neue Hardware testen
  • burn off    verbrauchen, verbrennen
  • burn one's boats    alle Brücken hinter sich abbrechen
  • burn one's bridges    alle Brücken hinter sich abbrechen
  • burn one's fingers    sich die Finger verbrennen
  • burn oneself out    sich kaputtmachen
  • burn out    ausbrennen, herunterbrennen, durchbrennen
  • burn someone out    ausbrennen, herunterbrennen, durchbrennen
  • burn someone up    verbrennen, abbrennen, herunterbrennen, ausbrennen, niederbrennen
  • burn something into    einbrennen
  • burn something out    ausbrennen, ausgehen
  • burn the candle at both ends    (ugs.) sich zuviel aufladen
  • burn the midnight oil    bis spät in die Nacht arbeiten
  • burn to the ground    abbrennen, niederbrennen
  • burn up    verbrennen, abbrennen, herunterbrennen, ausbrennen, niederbrennen
  • go for the burn    (Spo) (inf) sich total verausgeben
  • have money to burn    Geld wie Heu haben

2.
n. - (Schottland) Bach

Ελληνική (Greek)
v. - καίω, κατακαίω, φλέγομαι, κάθομαι στην ηλεκτρική καρέκλα
n. - έγκαυμα, κάψιμο, καύση, τσούξιμο

idioms:

  • burn down    κατακαίω
  • burn in    κάνω προκαταρκτικό τεστ διαρκείας σε Η/Υ, καίω το φώσφορο οθόνης Η/Υ
  • burn off    κατακαίω, αφαιρώ με καύση
  • burn one's boats    κόβω τις γέφυρες, αποκλείω κάθε περίπτωση υπαναχώρησης
  • burn one's bridges    κόβω τις γέφυρες, αποκλείω κάθε περίπτωση υπαναχώρησης
  • burn one's fingers    (καθομ.) την παθαίνω (από απειρία ή επιπολαιότητα), βρίσκω το μπελά μου
  • burn out    (για φωτιά) σβήνω από έλλειψη καύσιμης ύλης, καίγομαι λόγω υπερθέρμανσης, παθαίνω υπερκόπωση λόγω στρες, είμαι καμένο χαρτί
  • burn the candle at both ends    (καθομ.) ζω με υπερένταση
  • burn the midnight oil    (καθομ.) διαβάζω ή εργάζομαι μέχρι πολύ αργά τη νύχτα
  • burn to the ground    κατακαίω
  • burn up    κατακαίω, κορώνω, εξαγριώνομαι
  • have money to burn    (καθομ.) έχω λεφτά για πέταμα

Italiano (Italian)
bruciare, ardere, incenerire, corrodere, cremare, bruciatura, ustione

idioms:

  • burn down    incenerirsi, dare alle fiamme
  • burn off    bruciare
  • burn one's bridges/boats    bruciarsi i ponti alle spalle
  • burn out    ridurre in cenere
  • burn the candle at both ends    occuparsi di troppe cose
  • burn the midnight oil    lavorare fino alle ore piccole
  • burn to the ground    ridurre in cenere, bruciare
  • burn up    bruciare
  • have money to burn    esser straricco

Português (Portuguese)
v. - queimar, estar em chamas, arder
n. - queimadura (f), local (m) queimado

idioms:

  • burn down    destruir por incêndio
  • burn off    remover algo pela ação do fogo
  • burn one's bridges/boats    não ter volta, romper com o passado
  • burn one's fingers    ser punido por realizar algo tolo
  • burn out    estressar-se
  • burn the candle at both ends    trabalhar muito
  • burn the midnight oil    trabalhar ou estudar até tarde da noite
  • burn to the ground    completamente destruído pelo incêndio
  • burn up    avivar o fogo, queimar completamente
  • have money to burn    ter muito dinheiro

Русский (Russian)
сжигать, жечь, гореть, сгорать, пылать, ожог

idioms:

  • burn down    сгореть
  • burn off    испариться, сжечь
  • burn one's bridges/boats    сжечь за собою мосты
  • burn one's fingers    обжечь пальцы
  • burn out    догореть, перегореть, сгореть (на работе)
  • burn the candle at both ends    работать день и ночь
  • burn the midnight oil    работать всю ночь напролет
  • burn to the ground    сгореть дотла
  • burn up    загореться, разгорячиться
  • have money to burn    денег куры не клюют, богатейший

Español (Spanish)
1.
v. tr. - arder, escocer, corroer, carcomer, calcinar, fundir, quemar, abrasar
v. intr. - quemarse, estar ardiendo, socarrarse, pegarse, estar encendido
n. - quemadura, marca

idioms:

  • burn down    incendiar, reducirse a cenizas, ser destruido por el fuego, incendiarse
  • burn in    técnica de fotografiado, probar nuevas partes de ordenador
  • burn off    consumir
  • burn one's boats    quemar las naves
  • burn one's bridges    quemar las naves
  • burn one's fingers    quemarse los dedos
  • burn oneself out    esforzarse en exceso
  • burn out    extinguirse, quemar, reducirse a cenizas, ser destruido por el fuego, fundirse
  • burn someone out    extinguirse, quemar, reducirse a cenizas, ser destruido por el fuego, fundirse, exhaustar a alguien
  • burn someone up    consumir completamente, abrasar, enojar mucho a alguien
  • burn something into    marcar a fuego
  • burn something out    extinguirse, quemar, reducirse a cenizas, ser destruido por el fuego, fundirse, incendiar completamente (edificio, auto, etc.) hasta que solo queda el armazón
  • burn the candle at both ends    vivir de prisa
  • burn the midnight oil    quemarse las pestañas
  • burn to the ground    incendiar completamente
  • burn up    consumir completamente, abrasar
  • go for the burn    exigirse al máximo en ejercicios físicos
  • have money to burn    tener mucho más de lo necesario

2.
n. - arroyo, riachuelo

Svenska (Swedish)
v. - bränna, förbränna, sveda, brinna
n. - förbränning, brännskada

中文(简体)(Chinese (Simplified))
1. 烧毁, 烧坏, 烧伤, 烧焦, 发热, 燃烧, 发光, 着火, 灼伤, 灼痛感, 烙印

idioms:

  • burn down    烧毁
  • burn in    烙上
  • burn off    烧掉, 蒸发
  • burn one's boats    破釜沉舟
  • burn one's bridges    破釜沉舟
  • burn one's fingers    由于管闲事而受损害
  • burn out    不再热衷, 失去兴趣, 热情
  • burn the candle at both ends    过分耗费
  • burn the midnight oil    开夜车
  • burn to the ground    全部焚毁
  • burn up    烧起来, 发怒, 烧掉
  • have money to burn    有用不完的钱

2. 小溪, 毒品交易中收钱而不给货, 卖假毒品给人

中文(繁體)(Chinese (Traditional))
1.
n. - 小溪, 毒品交易中收錢而不給貨, 賣假毒品給人

2.
v. tr. - 燒毀, 燒壞, 燒傷, 燒焦
v. intr. - 發熱, 燃燒, 發光, 著火
n. - 燒傷, 灼傷, 灼痛感, 烙印

idioms:

  • burn down    燒毀
  • burn in    烙上
  • burn off    燒掉, 蒸發
  • burn one's boats    破釜沈舟
  • burn one's bridges    破釜沉舟
  • burn one's fingers    由於管閒事而受損害
  • burn out    不再熱衷, 失去興趣, 熱情
  • burn the candle at both ends    過分耗費
  • burn the midnight oil    開夜車
  • burn to the ground    全部焚毀
  • burn up    燒起來, 發怒, 燒掉
  • have money to burn    有用不完的錢

한국어 (Korean)
1.
v. tr. - ~을 불태우다, 감명을 주다, 마구 쓰다
v. intr. - 타오르다, 더워지다, 부식하다
n. - 타버린 곳, 화상, 분사

idioms:

  • burn down    죄다 태워버리다
  • burn in    ~을 부식하다, 새겨지다, 인화하다
  • burn off    ~을 불태워 버리다
  • burn one's boats    배수의 진을 치다
  • burn one's bridges    배수진을 치다
  • burn one's fingers    손가락을 데다
  • burn out    다 타버리다, 정력을 다 써버리다
  • burn the candle at both ends    돈을 심하게 낭비하다
  • burn the midnight oil    밤늦게까지 공부를 하다
  • burn to the ground    전소하다
  • burn up    다 태워버리다, 노하다, 열광케 하다
  • have money to burn    주체 못할 만큼 돈이 많이 있다

2.
n. - 시내

日本語 (Japanese)
v. - 燃える, 焼ける, 焦げる, 日焼けする, ともる, 輝く, やけどする, 燃え上がる, かっとなる, ほてる, 焼き付ける
n. - 火傷, 日焼け, 噴射, 焼け跡

idioms:

  • burn a hole into one's pocket    金がすぐ出ていってしまう
  • burn down    全焼させる, 全焼する, 勢いが衰える
  • burn off    焼き払う
  • burn one's bridges/boats    背水の陣を敷く
  • burn one's fingers    手を焼く
  • burn out    焼き尽くす, 燃え尽きる
  • burn the candle at both ends    精力を使い果たす
  • burn the midnight oil    深夜まで勉強する
  • burn to the ground    全焼する
  • burn up    ぱっと燃え上がる, 燃やし尽くす, 燃え尽きる

العربيه (Arabic)
‏(فعل) يحترق أو يحرق (الاسم) حرق‏

עברית (Hebrew)
v. tr. - ‮שרף, חרך, צרב, נהג במהירות (מדוברת), הרגיז (מדוברת)‬
v. intr. - ‮נשרף, בער, נהג במהירות (מדוברת), הוצא להורג בכיסא החשמלי (מדוברת), השתזף‬
n. - ‮בעירה, כוויה, חלקה שפונתה באמצעות שרפה, ביעור צמחיה, מירוץ מכוניות (מדוברת), סיגריה (מדוברת)‬
n. - ‮נחל קטן, פלג, פלגלג‬


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