Burns and Skin Layers Overview

The outer layer of skin, composed of 5 layers, continuously regenerates and sheds.

The deeper layer of skin involved in thermoregulation, containing nerves, blood vessels, and glands.

A burn that affects only the epidermis, causing redness and pain but no blisters.

A burn that affects the epidermis and part of the dermis, causing blisters and pain.

A burn that affects the epidermis and the entire dermis, causing dryness, mottled redness, and possible blisters but no blanching.

A burn that destroys the epidermis and dermis, reaching the subcutaneous tissue, muscle, or bone.

The area of maximum damage in a burn, characterized by tissue coagulation.

The area surrounding the zone of coagulation, where tissue perfusion is decreased.

When a burn reaches 30% of total body surface area, the release of inflammatory mediators at the injury site triggers a systemic response, impacting the whole body.

Increased capillary permeability, leading to fluid leakage out of vessels, causing a decrease in blood volume and pressure.

The body pulls blood away from the extremities and digestive system to focus on supplying vital organs, leading to reduced blood flow in these areas.

A decrease in the heart's pumping strength (contractility), possibly due to the release of TNF-α.

Inflammatory mediators cause narrowing of the airways, similar to an allergic reaction, potentially leading to severe respiratory distress.

Burns significantly increase the body's energy use, requiring increased fuel intake to maintain essential functions.

The body switches to burning fat and protein for energy, producing glucose, as the body struggles to use insulin effectively.

The combination of fluid loss, vascular changes, and decreased heart function results in low blood pressure and inadequate blood flow to organs.

Glucose is not absorbed into cells and is not removed from the body, resulting in high blood sugar.

The body's metabolism is abnormally high. This can lead to rapid breakdown of tissues and increased energy expenditure.

This is the breakdown of tissues, especially muscle, which can lead to weight loss and muscle weakness.

This is where burns affect the epidermis only, causing redness and pain.

The dermis is affected, causing blistering and pain. It's considered superficial if there's blanching (turning white under pressure) and deep if there's no blanching.

This is the most severe burn type, affecting the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissues. It leads to charring and a leathery appearance.

It's a life-threatening condition caused by a blocked airway. It can be managed with a breathing tube (ET tube) or tracheostomy.

It's a medical technique used to quickly secure an airway through the mouth or nose. It involves using medications and a breathing tube.

Reduced blood flow in the extremities and digestive system. This occurs as the body conserves fluid for the main organs after a burn.

Burn victims often become hypothermic due to damage to the dermis, which is crucial for thermoregulation.

Burn victims often develop hyperglycemia due to impaired glucose uptake and clearance, leading to a metabolic acidosis.

The lethal triad consists of hypothermia, coagulation issues, and metabolic acidosis, significantly increasing the risk of death.

The brain requires a substantial amount of oxygen (about 20% of total oxygen consumption) to function properly.

A decrease in stroke volume (amount of blood pumped per heartbeat) forces the heart to beat faster to maintain cardiac output and stable blood pressure after a burn.