Ustione

Ustione is the medical term for a burn injury, referring to tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. The term is used in several languages, including Italian, to denote burns. In clinical practice burns are described by depth and extent rather than by cause alone.

Burns are classified by depth: superficial (involving only the epidermis), partial-thickness (epidermis and part of the dermis), and full-thickness (through all skin layers and possibly deeper tissues). Depth and the total surface area affected, expressed as the percentage of total body surface area (TBSA), determine healing time, risk of complications, and the need for specialized care.

Common causes include thermal burns from hot liquids or flames, chemical burns from acids or alkalis, electrical burns from current, and radiational burns from various forms of radiation. The mechanism influences prognosis and treatment.

First aid and initial assessment emphasize stopping exposure and cooling for thermal burns with clean running water for about 10–20 minutes, removing constrictive items, and covering the wound with a sterile nonadherent dressing. Do not apply ice or home remedies. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; monitor for inhalation injury, and ensure tetanus vaccination is up to date.

Medical management includes wound cleaning and dressing, pain control, and infection prevention. For larger burns, fluid resuscitation is guided by established formulas and may require admission to a specialized burn unit. Surgical care, such as debridement and skin grafting, may be needed for extensive or deep injuries.

Prognosis depends on depth and TBSA, with greater burns carrying higher risks of scarring and functional impairment. Prevention focuses on safety measures in homes and workplaces to reduce burn risk.