Tulekahjust

Tulekahjust, or burn injury, refers to tissue damage caused by exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. The skin is most commonly affected, though underlying tissues can be involved in more severe cases. Burns are classified by depth into first-degree (superficial), second-degree (partial thickness), and third-degree (full thickness). They are also assessed by the total body surface area (TBSA) affected, which helps guide treatment decisions.

Common causes include thermal burns from flames, hot liquids, or contact with hot objects; chemical burns from acids or alkalis; electrical burns from electrical current; and radiation burns from sun exposure or radiation therapy. Inhalation injuries from smoke can accompany facial or airway burns and worsen prognosis.

Initial assessment focuses on airway, breathing, and circulation, along with burn depth and TBSA. First aid for minor burns typically involves cooling with cool running water for 10–20 minutes, removing restrictive jewelry or clothing if not adherent to the burn, and covering the area with a sterile, nonadherent dressing. Do not apply ice, ointments, or break blisters. Seek medical care for burns larger than a small palm, burns to the face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints, circumferential burns, chemical or electrical burns, signs of inhalation injury, or in young children and older adults.

Medical management may include wound cleaning and dressings, pain control, tetanus vaccination, infection prevention, and fluid resuscitation for extensive burns. Severe burns or those approaching critical areas are often managed in specialized burn centers. Prevention focuses on fire safety, safe handling of hot liquids and chemicals, and fire-alarm installations.