Palovamma

Palovamma, meaning burn injury in Finnish, refers to tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Burns are classified by depth: first-degree (superficial, affecting only the epidermis), second-degree (partial-thickness, involving epidermis and part of the dermis), and third-degree (full-thickness, through all skin layers).

Common causes include thermal burns from hot liquids or flames, chemical burns from acids or alkalis, electrical burns from current, and radiation burns such as sunburn or exposure to radiation therapy.

Symptoms vary with depth. Minor burns produce pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes blisters. Deep partial-thickness and full-thickness burns may appear white or charred and often have reduced sensation due to nerve damage. Large burns can cause systemic effects.

First aid: cool the burn under running water for 10-20 minutes; remove rings or tight items before swelling occurs; do not apply ice, butter, oils, or toothpaste. Cover with a clean nonadherent dressing. Seek medical care for large burns, burns on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints, chemical burns (flush with water), or electrical burns. Ensure tetanus vaccination is up to date.

Medical management ranges from proper wound care and analgesia for minor burns to cleansing, specialized dressings, antibiotics if infection develops, and possible surgical intervention such as skin grafting for deep burns. Prevention focuses on safe handling of hot substances, protective equipment, and smoke detectors.