Hilario, Jhazmaine P.
BSN – 4
BURNS
1. Types and degrees of burns
TYPES OF BURNS
DEGREES OF BURNS
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Friction burns. When a hard object rubs off some
of your skin, you have what’s called a friction
burn. It’s both an abrasion (scrape) and a heat
burn. Carpet burn is another type of friction burn.
First-degree. These burns only affect the outer layer
of your skin. A mild sunburn’s one example. Your
skin may be red and painful, but you won’t have
any blisters.
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Cold burns. Also called “frostbite,” cold burns
cause damage to your skin by freezing it. You can
get frostbite by being outside in freezing
temperatures. It can also happen when your skin
comes into direct contact with something very cold
for a prolonged period of time.
Second-degree. If you have this type of burn, the
outer layer of your skin as well the dermis – the layer
underneath – has been damaged. Your skin will be
bright red, swollen, and may look shiny and wet.
You’ll see blisters, and the burn will hurt to the touch.
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a superficial second-degree burn, only part
of your dermis is damaged. You probably
won’t have scarring.
A deep partial thickness burn is more
severe. It may leave a scar or cause a
permanent change in the color of your skin.

Thermal burns. Touching a very hot object raises
the temperature of your skin to the point that your
skin cells start dying. Very hot metals, scalding
liquids, and flames all cause thermal burns. Steam
can, too.
Third-degree. Sometimes called a “full thickness
burn,” this type of injury destroys two full layers of
your skin. Instead of turning red, it may appear black,
brown, white or yellow. It won’t hurt because this
type of burn damages nerve endings.

Radiation burns. Sunburn is a type of radiation
burn. Other sources of radiation, like X-rays or
radiation therapy to treat cancer, can also cause
these.
Fourth-degree. This is the deepest and most severe
of burns. They’re potentially life-threatening. These
burns destroy all layers of your skin, as well as your
bones, muscles, and tendons.

Chemical burns. Strong acids, solvents or
detergents that touch your skin can cause it to burn.

Electrical burns. If you come into contact with an
electrical current, you can get this type of burn.
2. Draw the Rule of 9.
The size of a burn can be quickly estimated by using the "rule of nines." This method divides the
body's surface area into percentages.
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The front and back of the head and neck equal 9% of the body's surface area.
The front and back of each arm and hand equal 9% of the body's surface area.
The chest equals 9% and the stomach equals 9% of the body's surface area.
The upper back equals 9% and the lower back equals 9% of the body's surface area.
The front and back of each leg and foot equal 18% of the body's surface area.
The genital area equals 1% of the body's surface area.
3. First Aid for Burns
Treating major burns
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Protect the burned person from
further harm.
Make certain that the person
burned is breathing.
Remove jewelry, belts and
other tight items,
Cover the burn.
Raise the burned area.
Watch for signs of shock.
4. Complications of burns
Treating minor burns
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Cool the burn.
Remove rings or other tight items
from the burned area.
Don't break blisters.
Apply lotion.
Bandage the burn.
If needed, take a nonprescription
pain reliever.
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Bacterial infection, which may lead to a bloodstream infection (sepsis)
Fluid loss, including low blood volume (hypovolemia)
Dangerously low body temperature (hypothermia)
Breathing problems from the intake of hot air or smoke
Scars or ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids)
Bone and joint problems, such as when scar tissue causes the shortening and tightening of
skin, muscles or tendons (contractures)
REFERENCES:
WebMD. (n.d.). What are the types and degrees of Burns? WebMD.
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/types-degrees-burns
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, February 16). First Aid for burns.
Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-burns/basics/art-20056649
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2020, July 28). Burns. Mayo Clinic.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burns/symptoms-causes/syc-20370539
Rule of nines for Burns. MyHealth.Alberta.ca Government of Alberta Personal Health Portal.
(n.d.). https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=hw262650