Burns are the most common type of injuries in children and adults. There are various classifications of burns based on the source of the singes and the degree of injury. Saladin (2021) defines such types of burns as thermal, chemical, electrical, radiation, and combined. This classification is based on the differentiation of burns depending on the source of the lesion. Extensive thermal burns can be fatal, depending on the severity, while radiation burns are usually superficial and easily treatable, except for burns caused by radioactive rays. In turn, Shiffman and Low (2020) distinguish four types of burns depending on the degree of damage. In the first type, only the outer layer of the epithelium is damaged, which causes redness, pain, and swelling. In the second type, damage occurs to the outer layer of the skin and the deeper layers, which is characterized by the appearance of blisters with fluid. The third type of burns is characterized by necrosis of the skin and the appearance of a scab. The fourth type of burns is characterized by tissue necrosis and charring of muscles and bones. Shiffman and Low (2020) consider this classification to be the most fitting, as it allows to determine the necessary assistance to the victim depending on the degree of damage. This allows to conclude that the classification of burns depending on the degree of damage is proper.
The risks associated with burns vary with the severity of the burn. According to Shiffman and Low (2020), there are practically no negative consequences with 1st-degree burns, the skin recovers within a few days. With burns of the 2nd and 3rd degree, scar tissue formation is possible. This cosmetic defect can be corrected surgically. Saladin (2021) affirms that with significant tissue damage, such risks as infection, lymphadenitis, gangrene of the extremities, abscess, and hepatic and renal dysfunction are possible. Since the risks vary according to the degree of damage it also supports the view that a classification of burns depending on injury grade seems convenient.
References
Saladin, K. (2021). Anatomy & physiology: The unity of form and function, 9th ed. McGraw Hill.
Shiffman, M. A., & Low, M. (2020). Burns, infections and wound management. Springer Nature.