Burn Injuries

Both the prevention of burns and their immediate first aid are extremely worthwhile endeavours. Splinting plays an important part in protecting joint function in burns of the extremities. The severity of the burn is dictated by the skin thickness, the surface area burned, the anatomical site, the temperature or chemistry of the burning agent, and the efficiency of any subsequent cooling. Additionally, any pre-existing disease or disability and the depth of burn injury contribute to the outcome. Burns are unhealthy wounds associated with dead, dying, and inflamed tissues. Prolonged hospitalisation and an extended recovery period are inevitable after massive burn injury, usually with resultant long-term deformity and disfigurement, with a chronic psychological impact. Infection is a common complication. Dressings need to be devised for the convenience of the patient and caregiver, but apart from keeping cells moist, absorbing discharge and treating infection, they do not change the outcome.