At Dr. Tayyab saleem malik clinic (Cosmetic Enclave)

Acute burns, including flame burns, electric burns, and acid burns, are types of burn injuries that result from exposure to heat, electricity, or corrosive substances. These burns are characterized by damage to the skin and underlying tissues and can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent and depth of the injury. Prompt and appropriate first aid and medical attention are essential in managing acute burns effectively.

Here are some key points about different types of acute burns:

1. Flame Burns: Flame burns occur when the skin comes into contact with an open flame, such as from fire or explosions. They can cause direct heat damage to the skin and can also result in inhalation injuries if the burn involves the respiratory tract. Flame burns can vary in severity depending on factors such as the duration and intensity of exposure.
2. Electric Burns: Electric burns result from contact with an electrical source, such as electrical wires, appliances, or lightning. The severity of electric burns can be deceiving, as internal tissue damage may be more severe than what is visible on the skin. Electric burns can lead to deep tissue injury, nerve damage, and complications such as cardiac arrhythmias or muscle contractions.
3. Acid Burns: Acid burns occur when the skin comes into contact with corrosive acids or chemicals. Acid burns can be highly damaging due to their ability to cause tissue destruction and chemical reactions with the skin. The severity of an acid burn depends on various factors, including the concentration and type of acid involved.

Immediate first aid and subsequent medical treatment for acute burns typically involve the following steps:

1. Remove the source of the burn: Ensure the person is no longer in contact with the flame, electricity, or acid. Safely extinguish flames, turn off the power source, or rinse off the acid with copious amounts of water.
2. Cool the burn: For flame and electric burns, cool the affected area with cool (not cold) running water for about 20 minutes. This helps to reduce pain, minimize tissue damage, and prevent the burn from worsening.
3. Assess the burn severity: Determine the depth and extent of the burn. Superficial burns affect the outer layer of skin (epidermis), while deeper burns may involve underlying tissues such as the dermis, fat, muscle, or bone. Seek medical attention for burns that are deep, extensive, involve the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints, or if the person is experiencing difficulty breathing.
4. Protect the burn: Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing or clean cloth to protect it from infection and further injury.
5. Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications may be used to manage pain associated with burns. Follow healthcare professional guidance for appropriate pain management.
6. Medical evaluation and treatment: Depending on the severity of the burn, medical evaluation and treatment may involve wound cleaning, application of appropriate dressings, tetanus vaccination if needed, prescription medications, and referral to a burn specialist for further management.

It’s important to note that the information provided here is a general overview, and the management of acute burns can vary based on the specific circumstances and severity of the injury. For all burn injuries, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services to ensure proper assessment, treatment, and care.