1
BURNS
Definition
Symptoms
DDx
Etiology/Epidiemology
Pathophysiology
Key PE
Extent: rule of nines. Head & neck 9%, upper extremities 18%, lower extremities 18%,
anterior trunk 18%, posterior trunk 18 %, perineum 1%. Hospitalization: Adults 15%,
children 5%, elderly 5%.
Key Lab
Strategy
BURNS
2
TX PROTOCOLS
Nutrient Considerations
1. Supplements: Zinc 100 mg/d (LS) Vit. E, C, Se
2.Vitamin E oil or ointment, PABA ointment or cream, Vit. C solution sprayed on burn. (2)
3. PABA: excellent internal and external remedy for light-skinned people who are sensitive to
sunburn.
Dietary Considerations
Botanicals
1. Aloe vera gel or juice
2. Hypericum perforatum oil or lotion
3. Calendula - cleanse
4. Urtica urens ointment, cold water, honey, mustard pour on first degree burn.
5. Mimosa gusm Arctium lappa (Shook)
6. Formula #17, shook
9. Formula 81, shook (acid & alkali burns)
7. Formula 42, Shook
10. Formula 86, shook
8. Formula 76, shook
11. Lilium candidum (shook)
(2)
Homeopathy
Thiosinamine 3X dose: 4 b.i.d.
Cantharis - for burn after initial shock (Arnica) @ 15 min.
Causticum
Physical Medicine
1. Initially apply cold water - cold running water or ice water immersion, ice water compresses.
For throbbing pain, then wrap the area in clay, keeping out the air.
2. First & second degree burns, let cold water run on it until pain gone.
3. Apply Vit. E intermittently at burn site, then cleanse with calendula
4. Apply ointment
olive oil & picric acid
5. Fresh comfrey packs
6. 2nd degree: cover with dried egg-white, adaptic, vaseline (nonadherent).
7. 3rd degree:Vit C, E, A, Zn. Desitin later. Aloe, plantago.
Oriental Medicine
Chinese herbs: Please see A Barefood DoctorÕs Manual
p. 70
Psychology
Visualization to increase healing
Self-hypnosis to decrease pain
Other
Treat for shock,
First Aid
Sunburn: Add Vit A & E oil to 1 tbsp of safflower oil; apply to skin before retiring (BM)
3
BURNS
Critical Care(NPLEX)
First, second and third degree burns
First degree - >75% of body is considered critical - transport to hospital
50-75% of body surface is moderate
Tx. immersed in cool water not ice water. Some doc's
recommend a wet burn dressing (with sterile water) but ofquestionable value. Do not
apply ointments.
Second degree - >30% of adult body surface is critical - transport
>20% of child's body surface is critical - transport
15-30% of adult body surface is moderate
Tx : immerse in cool water and cover with cool compress within
30 min. of occurrence. Moderate to critical burns should be
covered with a bulky, dry dressing and loosely bandaged in
place. Never try to rupture blisters over the burn, if broken keep as sterile as possible.
Third degree - involving face, hands, feet or genital area is critical - transport
>10% of adult body surface is critical - transport
>2-3% of child's body surface is critical - transport
2-10% of adult body surface excluding face, hands, feet and genitals
Tx: watch respiration, administer oxygen if needed, protect patient from heat loss and
prevent shock - transport in severe cases.
Third degree burns are surrounded usually by areas of second and first degree burns,
treat appropriately.