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Burns

Grant Wei, FACEP, MD, Chirag N. Shah, MD and Chelsea Leigh Bunce, D.O. Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Tissue injuries caused by application of heat, chemicals, electricity, or irradiation.

  • Extent of injury (depth of burn) is a result of intensity and duration of exposure.

    • Superficial b...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

History of source of burn. In children or elderly: Check for consistency between the history and the burn’s physical characteristics. 

PHYSICAL EXAM

  • Superficial: erythema of involved ti...

TREATMENT

  • Prehospital care (1)[B]

    • Remove the patient from the source of the burn, and extinguish and remove all burning clothing.

    • Room-temperature water may be poured onto the burn but only in the first...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Early mobilization is the goal. 

DIET

  • High-protein, high-calorie diet when bowel function resumes

  • Nasogastric tube feedings may be required in early postburn period.

  • ...

REFERENCES

1
Roshangar L, Soleimani RJ, Kheirjou R, et al. Skin Burns: Review of Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches. Wounds. 2019;31(12):308-315.
2
Jeschke MG, van Baar ME, Choudhry MA, et a...

CODES

ICD10

  • T23.029A Burn of unspecified degree of unspecified single finger (nail) except thumb, initial encounter

  • T23.039A Burn of unspecified degree of unspecified multiple fingers (nail), not includ...

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