Brandwond

Brandwond, or burn wound, refers to tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Burns can affect the skin and underlying tissues and vary in severity. Common causes include fire, scalding liquids, hot metals, chemical splashes, electrical currents, and prolonged sun exposure.

Burns are classified by depth and extent. Depth ranges from first-degree (epidermis only) to second-degree (partial-thickness dermis involved) to third-degree (full-thickness). A fourth-degree burn reaches muscle or bone. Extent is estimated as TBSA, using the rule of nines or Lund and Browder. Symptoms include pain, redness, swelling, blisters, and, in deeper burns, pale or charred tissue and numbness.

First aid emphasizes cooling with cool running water for 10 to 20 minutes, removing jewelry to prevent swelling, covering with a clean nonstick dressing, and avoiding ice or breaking blisters. Seek urgent care for large burns, burns on the face, hands, feet, joints, genitals, or in children or older adults, or any burn greater than about 5% TBSA. Electrical or chemical burns warrant prompt assessment.

In medical care, treatment focuses on wound cleansing, debridement, and dressings, plus pain control. Severe burns may require fluid resuscitation, monitoring for organ injury, tetanus prophylaxis, and hospitalization in a burn unit. Some burns need surgical intervention, such as debridement or skin grafting. Infection prevention with sterile technique and appropriate topical antimicrobials or dressings is important. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, scar management, and vaccination as needed.

Complications include infection, dehydration, hypothermia, scarring, contractures, and functional impairment. The prognosis depends on burn depth, TBSA, age, and health. Prevention focuses on fire safety, protective equipment, and safe handling of chemicals and electricity.