10.1 The Skin 10.
Burns & Scalds
The skin is one of the largest and most important organs in the body. It consists of various layers, the Epidermis (outer layer) and the Dermis (the inner layer) below which sits a layer of Subcutaneous Fat. The main purpose of the skin is to help maintain temperature, retain water and protect the body from injury and infection. Any damage to the skin is painful because of the number of nerve endings.
Burns
The skin can be burnt in many ways, all are painful but the major concern with burns is the high risk of infection and the loss of bodily fluids.
10.2
Depth of Burns A burn is classified by its depth and the damage to the skin.
Superficial burn – This burn affects the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. Superficial burns look red in colour, are tender to the touch and swelling may occur.
Partial-thickness burn – This burn looks and feels similar to a superficial burn but is worse as blisters are present. DO NOT burst blisters as they are helping prevent infection. Full-thickness burn – This burn affects all the layers of the skin (epidermis and dermis), they may even burn the skin as far down as the layer of subcutaneous fat and muscles. This type of burn may look pale, black, charred and waxy and requires urgent medical attention.
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