Pulmonary Complications
Airway is the priority for burns to the face, neck, chest, and trunk.
Complications
Infection
Burns to perineal area, eyes, and ears are at the highest risk for infection (open to bacteria)
Possible Disability
Burns to the hands, feet, joints, and eyes (corneal abrasions) can lead to disability.
Co-morbidities
Delayed burn healing due to diabetes, immunosuppression, malnutrition and infection
Circumferential burns refer to injuries that encircle a body part, such as an arm, leg, or torso. These burns can have significant implications due to their unique characteristics.
Circumferential Burns
Circumferential burns often result in full-thickness injury, affecting both the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) and the underlying layers (dermis and sometimes subcutaneous tissue). This can lead to the impairment of blood vessels, nerves, and other structures within the burned area.
Extent of tissue damage
Circumferential burns can constrict blood vessels, leading to impaired blood circulation. This can result in ischemia (lack of blood supply) to the affected tissues, which can contribute to tissue necrosis and delayed wound healing.
Vascular Impairment
In cases where circumferential burns affect the chest area, they can restrict chest expansion during breathing. This can lead to respiratory compromise and may require intervention such as escharotomies (surgical incisions through burned tissue) to alleviate pressure on the chest.
Respiratory Compromise
Compartment syndrome is a complication associated with circumferential burns. Swelling occurs as a result of the burn injury, it can lead to increased pressure and compromises blood flow, causing tissue damage and nerve dysfunction
Compartment Syndrome
- Curling’s ulcer is a stress-induced ulcer of the stomach or duodenum that occurs in relation to extreme physical stress, such as in massively burned patients. This is due to the fact that an extensive burn causes more stress on the entire body than any other injury.
- Treatment: Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid (any H2 receptor antagonist) or Protonix and Prilosec (Proton Pump Inhibitors)