Terms of treatment of a burn of the 3rd degree. Third degree burn: how to properly treat

The most dangerous for human life and health, but the latter is diagnosed much less frequently. Let us consider in detail under what conditions and from what it is possible to get a third-degree burn, what it is fraught with, how to provide first aid and how long the treatment will last.

Classification of burns by degrees

As already mentioned, burns are usually classified according to degrees, depending on the depth of damage to the skin.

First degree burn. After contact with the influencing factor, the skin slightly reddens and swells. The injury does not require special treatment and heals on its own after 5-7 days. The scar from the burn does not remain.
Second degree burn. Redness and swelling is accompanied by swelling of the upper layer of the skin and the formation of blisters filled with yellow liquid. When the bladder is pierced, a bright red layer of skin is visible, touching it causes severe pain to the victim. The probability is high therefore the healing period is approximately two weeks.
Third degree burn. It is characterized by the cessation of tissue vital activity (necrosis), the wound is covered with a gray or brown crust.

Fourth degree burns. The most severe and deep damage to the skin. Characteristic features are blackening or charring of the injured area, in certain cases involving bones in the process. The recovery period is long, deep scars remain at the site of exposure.

If a person has suffered damage to the cervical region or joints during fourth-degree burns, motor activity will be noticeably impaired during the formation of scars.

Third degree burns

In medicine, it is customary to separate burns of the third degree.

Form 3-A

When an injury of this form occurs, the patient has a complete lesion of the epidermis. The dermis is partially and shallowly affected. The main part of the basal layer stops its activity and dies. The germinal layer, which is responsible for the restoration of skin cells, is partially damaged. The remaining, deep layers, fully retain their functional abilities.

In the injured area, the patient practically does not feel touch. Reinforced is accompanied by increased pain reactions of the body. An accurate diagnosis requires constant medical supervision and monitoring of the regenerative abilities of the skin.

Form 3-B

The lesion is characterized by complete necrosis of the skin in the injured area. The cessation of vital activity of the subcutaneous tissue joins the damage to the skin indicated in degree 3-A.

In the clinical picture, doctors note the complete absence of pain and reactions to tactile contact in the patient. The process of blood circulation and metabolism of the skin are disturbed.

The concept and clinic of thermal burns

Thermal burns occur when the skin comes into contact with high temperatures of various origins. With severe damage, tissue necrosis and severe redness occur. The surface of the affected area is dry or wet, depending on the nature of the thermal exposure. Upon contact with steam or boiling water, the patient will have wet necrosis. The skin becomes red-yellow or red-brown in color and covered with fluid-filled blisters. The nature of the damage can be compared with the process of melting skin tissues.

On contact with hot objects, such as iron or iron, dry-type necrosis occurs. The skin at the site of exposure is covered with a dense crust, has a dark color, in severe cases may turn black. The boundaries of the wound are clearly visible. All degrees of thermal burns heal with the subsequent formation of scars on the tissues. In exceptional cases, while maintaining even the slightest sections of the epithelial layer, skin regeneration is possible.

The concept and clinic of a chemical burn

In a person who has received treatment, it should be carried out as directed and after examining the patient by doctors. Damage to the skin of this type can be obtained by contact with aggressive substances, such as alkalis or acids. If a person received a third-degree chemical burn, all layers of the skin in the injured area undergo necrosis. The top layer of the wound is covered with a dark, hard, immovable crust. Tactile contact is not sensitive.

The final diagnosis regarding the degree of damage is possible only after the rejection of dead areas. The majority of burns are diagnosed in the third degree.

For those who received a chemical burn, the treatment and wound healing process is long. Approximately three weeks are needed for the complete rejection of the scab. As a result, deep scars form at the site of the lesion.

Characteristic manifestations of a burn

The main signs of third-degree burns are a change in the surface layers of the skin from a natural color to a dark red hue. In places where the epithelium has completely stopped its vital activity, the skin color becomes black, which indicates that the place of contact with the influencing factor is hyperpigmented.

Depending on the nature of the burn, fluid-filled vesicles, crusts of a dense dark brown structure, erosions and ulcers may appear on the injured area.

A third-degree burn of category "A" is classified as superficial, category "B" is a deep lesion.

Third degree burn clinic

In most cases, patients who have received a third-degree burn, in addition to the main signs of injury, complain about a deterioration in well-being. With a global lesion, body temperature may rise, there is a feeling of nausea with bouts of vomiting.

A small tissue outgrowth forms on the border of the injured area of the skin, which forms approximately 2 months after the burn. This is due to the epithelialization of damaged skin and the growth of a new layer. Its edges are convex, granulated.

If the burn does not exceed two centimeters in diameter, its self-healing is permissible, however, it is necessary to create conditions to prevent infection, as well as intoxication of the body. Such treatment with the use of antiseptic drugs is performed in a clinic.

With the defeat of the germ layer, doctors note the formation of scars.

How to give first aid to the victim

It is not possible to cure a third-degree burn on your own. Therapeutic procedures are represented by a set of measures that help relieve pain and restore the skin.

Due to such features of the injury, the victim should be taken to the burn center or call for emergency care as soon as possible. In about 80% of clinical cases, the patient needs surgical intervention.

The first aid complex is based on the following algorithm:

isolation of the victim from the influencing factor;
with a small area of damage, the injured area, if possible, lift up;
put a sterile napkin on the burn site.

It should be noted that a patient who has received a third-degree burn is strictly forbidden to give painkillers. This will only aggravate the process of taking anamnesis and add ambiguity to the clinical picture.

Treatment of third degree burns

If the patient is taken to a burn center, this ensures that he receives the correct medical care in a timely manner. Patients with such injuries are treated in a hospital setting. Self-treatment of third-degree burns is strictly prohibited.

Primarily, doctors relieve pain. For this, painkillers of the narcotic group are used. The surface of the wound is regularly sprayed with an antiseptic, the rest of the drugs are administered intravenously according to the developed scheme.

A third-degree burn is treated only in a complex way, therefore, painkillers are prescribed:

Drugs that block an attack of anaphylactic shock.
Glucocorticosteroids that suppress the inflammatory process.
Regular dressing changes.
Sedative drugs.
Medicines that eliminate post-traumatic shock.
Droppers for removing toxins.
Droppers that make up for the lack of fluid.

If the lesion is large-scale, it requires surgical treatment in several stages of a third-degree burn. How much an injury is treated depends on the area of the lesion. After 20 days, the process of reparation of the skin will be noticeable, complete healing lasts about three months. With extensive damage to the skin by chemical agents or thermal exposure, a burn scar always remains and looks like a scar.

Inadmissible measures of the third degree

If there are people near the victim, they should know a number of actions that will not help the patient and aggravate the course of treatment.

So, in case of burns, it is forbidden:

wash the site of exposure with cold water, antiseptic and other medications;
apply frozen food or ice to the affected area;
remove clothes from the victim;
give any medication.

The only correct action that others can take for the victim is to transport him to the clinic as soon as possible or call an ambulance.

As you know, any physical contact with high temperatures leads to burns of varying degrees. It all depends on how long the contact was and in which particular area of the body suffered as a result of an accident. Any burns (especially of the face) are accompanied by severe pain that spreads to adjacent areas from the affected area.

Chemically active substances, hot solid materials, liquids or steam, as well as sunlight can damage the skin and subsequent tissue balls.

In medical practice, there is a special division of burns, this classification takes into account their severity, approximate terms of treatment and rehabilitation. More about the type division:

First degree - only the upper layer of the epithelium is broken, the scale of the injury is insignificant. Sometimes there is swelling and redness. The average full recovery period takes 3 to 7 days.
The second degree - the occurrence of bubbles filled with liquid is permissible (it is strictly forbidden to pierce them). Pain sensation and general symptoms are more pronounced than in the previous case. The recovery period varies from 2 to 3 weeks.
Third degree - the integrity of all layers of the epithelium is violated, the entire area is covered with bubble formations of various sizes. Bruising and mucous masses are noticeable inside the swellings. Requires surgery and a carefully selected course of rehabilitation. This degree has an additional division into 3a degree burns and 3b degree burns. In the first case, the body is able to recover on its own, but in the second, surgical intervention is required, a huge complex of local and internal preparations.
The fourth degree is a particularly dangerous type of thermal and chemical burns, accompanied by complete destruction of the skin at the cellular level, while muscles and tendons are affected, as well as joints of nerve fibers.

Characteristics of thermal damage of the third degree

A 3rd degree burn differs from previous types in the presence of subcutaneous hemorrhages and severe pain. In some cases, there are shock states, loss of consciousness and similar manifestations. Treatment of burns of the 3rd degree is quite long and requires constant monitoring by qualified specialists. The need to visit the hospital is due to the fact that the patient should receive professional assistance in changing the dressing material and instructions for the consumption of oral drugs (painkillers, anti-inflammatory and similar in clinical effects).

More detailed information on how to treat a 3rd degree burn is given below. It is very important to follow all first aid instructions (this will help you mitigate unpleasant consequences and speed up the recovery process).

If a person ignores any manifestations and does not seek help in time, intoxication of the body, extensive inflammation and other pathologies await him. In addition, deep cicatricial lesions, large scars and similar cosmetic defects are possible (the affected area will not look aesthetically pleasing - crumpled, flaky, erased).

First aid

Such injuries can be cured much faster with high-quality first aid. The first step is to stop the patient's contact with the focus of irritation. Burnt clothing can be removed only when it has not melted to the upper layers of the skin. A person should be given water (preferably warm) and several painkillers (ketanov, analgin and, in extreme cases, diphenhydramine).

If there is chemical damage, wash the area with cold water and soapy water. It is recommended to apply a dry dressing made of sterile tissue or a disinfected medical bandage.

When the sun's rays are the cause of the burn, try to take the patient to a living area (sheltered from the penetration of ultraviolet radiation). After that, apply special local remedies (panthenol, lifeguard, etc.) to the injured area.

After following all the above instructions, call an ambulance (especially if it is a 3 degree burn - type a or b). An appointment with a doctor will greatly increase your chances of a speedy recovery, so try to make an appointment as soon as possible.

Treatment

After the victim is delivered to a medical facility, painkillers are administered intramuscularly to him. After that, intravenous administration of antibacterial drugs is performed. If blood poisoning has begun, a transfusion is prescribed (full - all blood or separate - plasma and other elements). To restore the body, droppers with saline, glucose and other nutrients are placed.

At further stages of treatment, the patient is regularly changed dressings, treat the area of damage and select a course of physiotherapy. In medical practice, cases were often recorded when the body was on the mend, and then inflammation began. In such situations, the doctor attributes surgery aimed at removing dead tissue and foci of infection.

Prevention

To avoid this kind of injury, try not to overheat in the sun. In addition, take special care in terms of physical contact with unknown liquids and substances. Follow all safety rules when working with hot objects. Be careful even at home, do not allow the possibility of contact with hot liquids or steam.

High temperatures are very dangerous. Their negative impact disrupts the normal and healthy condition of the skin and is accompanied by severe pain. These skin lesions are called burns. They can be produced by fire, hot steam, hot metal, chemicals, boiling liquids, and sunburn is common.

Classification of burns by severity

All types of burns are injuries, in especially dangerous cases they lead to death. According to the depth of the injury and its area relative to the entire skin cover, burns are classified into degrees, which are called degrees of severity.

There are four of them:

What does a 3rd degree burn look like?

A burn of 3 degrees of severity has a very unpleasant appearance. In addition to huge blood blisters in the burn area, the skin becomes very red and sore. Pain is very powerful, often accompanied by a state of shock. The affected area is extensive, the wounds are very deep. Severe swelling is visible around the lesions. The process of restoration and healing of damaged areas is very long. At the same time, the formed bubbles constantly burst and a gray mucous discharge oozes out of them. Burns are covered with hard and dark scabs that require constant treatment. Treatment and cleaning of burn sites is also necessary.

Dead skin layers, muscles decompose, and this can lead to intoxication of the body. With this severity, dehydration of the body is observed, as well as heart problems. In almost all cases, it is required to administer drugs that support the cardiovascular system. Wounds received with burns of the 3rd degree are so deep and severe that even after a long recovery they leave numerous traces in the form of scars or scars. The skin in places of burns continues to peel off for some time.

First aid for burns of the 3rd degree of severity

Burn injuries are very painful. Therefore, the smaller the injury site, the less painful the sensations and the faster the wounds heal. The victim should be tried to quickly remove from the dangerous places of the outbreak. So, if this is a fire, then help get out of it to a safe distance and extinguish the ignited clothing. It is better to take it off altogether, because clothes smolder for a long time. And artificial smoldering fabric sticks to the body and leads to more serious consequences. You should try to wrap the injured person in a clean cloth (sheet or blanket) and lay down. You can give something warm to drink, but not hot, and seek medical help.

For chemical burns, quickly wash the damage with a strong stream of cold water to completely remove the chemicals and bandage it.

Sunburns rarely occur to such a severe degree, but it is advisable to quickly help the person move away from places of direct solar influence. Places of burns should be washed well with cool water and treated with special means for burns. You can give any pain medication, as well as drinking plenty of water. The patient may be hospitalized for further treatment.

Any type of 3rd degree burn is a severe burn requiring urgent medical attention and further treatment. It is required to fully restore not only all layers of the skin, but also muscles, ligaments, blood vessels, and also restore their ability to function normally.

Treatment of 3rd degree burns

Recovery from grade 3 burns is a lengthy process. Therefore, the rapid provision of first aid is very important, as well as hospitalization. Such strong and deep burns cause pain shock. Therefore, to remove it, pantalon or morphine is introduced. If they are not, then any potent pain reliever.

The wounds themselves can be treated initially with a solution of novocaine using a syringe for at least two minutes. Some of the antihistamines are also administered. With burns of the 3rd degree, blood loss is very large, which the body itself is not able to restore. Doctors give her an emergency transfusion. This procedure during the entire course of treatment can be repeated. Also, anti-shock solutions and glucose are administered daily at the first stage of treatment. You may need drugs such as seduxen to relieve agitation.

In addition, the places of burns are repeatedly treated daily with anti-burn preparations, which contribute to the speedy healing of the wounds received. It is possible that there will be a need to clean the burns, remove dead and keratinized parts of the skin, remove purulent formations and bloody mucus. This will require repeated dressings throughout the course of treatment.

With a complete loss to self-restoration of the skin, it needs to be transplanted surgically. Many also need additional cosmetic surgery, as healed areas of the body have an unsightly appearance. A full course of treatment after burns of the 3rd degree will last more than one month. And their consequences affect the health of people in the future.

A 3rd degree burn is a severe injury. It is necessary to try, if necessary, to avoid them, and upon receipt, quickly hospitalize the victim.

A 3rd degree burn is tissue damage characterized by great depth and area. This injury can happen to anyone and can lead to significant negative consequences up to death, so it is important to know what a 3rd degree burn looks like, what needs to be done in the first minutes after the injury and what are the principles of treatment.

The factors causing such damage may be thermal, chemical contacts, the effects of electrical or radiation exposure.

Such lesions affect the deep layers of the dermis, as well as the growth layers of the skin. Wounds heal very slowly, are difficult to treat, and recovery takes a long time.

Causes

You can get a 3rd degree burn at home, at work, at production facilities:

Chemical - alkalis, acids;
Thermal - steam, boiling water, hot objects;
Radiation - UV rays, ionized radiation;
Electrical.

Symptoms

A burn of the 3rd degree is conditionally divided into injuries "A" and "B" levels, depending on this, different signs of the wound site are characterized:

A 3rd degree burn is accompanied by burning of the entire upper layer of the skin, pain sensitivity is reduced. The surface of the epidermis has a heterogeneous structure, there is a bright hyperemia. A 3rd degree burn is characterized by multiple blisters along the edges of the wound, with a clear fluid. Immediately after the injury, the site of the lesion looks like a black or brown scab;
Type "B" is characterized by damage to the nerve endings. If a 3b degree burn develops, pain is completely absent. The blisters are covered with a dry scab, the edges of the wound are surrounded by hanging scraps of skin. Large-scale death of the dermis to subcutaneous fat.

Common symptoms of such damage include the following:

Malaise, dizziness;
Nausea, vomiting;
Lack of appetite;
Headache;
Increase in body temperature.

Based on the level of severity, the area affected, the depth of the wounds, general condition health of the patient, the attending specialist selects the necessary therapeutic regimen. With this symptomatology, self-medication at home is strictly prohibited, this can lead to tragic consequences.

Possible Complications

The most dangerous complication is a state of shock, accompanied by a sharp increase in blood pressure, and a drop to a critical level.

After an injury, a 3rd degree burn is characterized by the following negative manifestations:

deep scarring;
Dysfunction of the central nervous system;
Diseases of the cardiovascular system;
Sepsis;
bacteremia;
Failure in work internal organs.

With such injuries, in most cases, suppuration appears, which aggravates the condition of the victim, there is a secondary deepening of the wound. A person suffers from insomnia, increases excitability, body temperature. Recovery is much longer and more difficult.

emergency events

At home, it is categorically unacceptable to treat a third-degree burn. Competent professional therapy will relieve pain, accelerate the recovery of the skin, and prevent infection.
With extensive injuries, many patients undergo surgical treatment on the first day of hospitalization.

If a chemical or thermal burn of the 3rd degree appears, it is necessary to call an ambulance team of doctors, before their arrival, first aid must be provided to the victim:

Limit contact with the irritant, while using personal protective equipment and safety;
Position the victim in a horizontal position so that the skin lesions are at the highest point. This solution will ensure the normal maintenance of the circulatory system;
Before transporting the victim to the hospital, it is necessary to cover the affected area with a sterile napkin or bandage. This will prevent infection;

Important! How long a third-degree burn heals depends entirely on how well and timely medical care is provided. At this level of severity, self-medication at home is strictly prohibited.

Before the arrival of medical personnel, it is impossible to give the victim any analgesics or other drugs. In the future, this may make it difficult to diagnose the problem, complicate the treatment of a 3rd degree burn.

Basic principles of treatment

Complex burn therapy for these disorders should be carried out only in a hospital, under the strict supervision of specialists:

After collecting an anamnesis, potent drugs are used to prevent shock, for example, Morphine;
To remove such signs of a 3rd degree burn as edema and improve the general condition, antihistamine drugs Suprastin, Dimedrol, Tavegil are prescribed;
To restore the water-salt balance, infusion therapy is used - it is introduced into the body by drip a large number of liquids. For this, "Sorbilact", "Ringer's solution" is often used to eliminate the detoxification of the body;
First aid for 3rd degree burns includes vaccination with tetanus toxoid;
As the basis of anti-shock therapy, drugs such as Venofundin, Gelofusin are used, Polyglukin, Glucose are dripped;
Sedative medications are used to reduce the victim's stress level. How to treat a 3rd degree burn at home and what drugs to use are prescribed only by a general practitioner or surgeon;
At the hospital, to prevent anaphylactic shock, to normalize the patient's condition, histamine blockers are used;
With a small size of the wound surface and moderate pain, it is enough to treat the injury with painkillers such as Lidocaine, Novocain;
Glucocorticoids stimulate the fastest healing, eliminate inflammation and normalize the process of natural regeneration;

Treatment of a 3rd degree burn after opening the bladder includes the obligatory application of antiseptic dressings to exclude infection;
In order to prevent the reproduction of pathogenic flora, it is necessary to apply local antibiotics (Levomikol, Tetracycline) or injections. How long a third-degree burn heals depends on whether the injury is complicated by an infection.

During the course of treatment, based on how quickly the skin is restored, the doctor can change the therapeutic regimen, methods and drugs.

Surgical intervention

After the course of drug treatment is over, most likely, the victim will be prescribed plastic surgery. Often, flaps of the patient's own skin are used for this. Pre-material in the process of preparation goes through the stages of perforation and stretching.

In some cases, the doctor uses donor skin or special fibroblasts that are pre-grown in biolaboratories to improve the restoration of the skin.

What can not be done?

There are a number of activities that are strictly prohibited in case of complex injuries, so as not to aggravate the condition of the victim:

Even if a third-degree chemical burn has occurred, you should not wash the area of injury with solutions without consulting a doctor. Without precise knowledge of the chemical - actions can increase the depth and area of \u200b\u200bdamage;
Treat a 3rd degree burn at home on your own without consulting a doctor;
Use any fat-containing, oily products until the burnt area has completely cooled;
Forcibly remove, tear, or pull clothing and jewelry from the injured area. This can cause severe pain syndrome;
Use folk remedies for burns as an independent method of treatment, without the permission of a doctor. This technique is acceptable for use as part of complex therapy and only after agreement with a specialist;
Apply ice to cool the affected area. Such a sharp temperature drop can cause additional damage.

How long a third-degree burn heals depends on the depth and area of the lesion, on how well and quickly medical care was provided. On average 3-4 weeks, after the scarring stage begins.

A 3rd degree burn is a severe wound that requires an immediate response and assistance to the victim. Timely and high-quality treatment will prevent the dangerous consequences of a third-degree burn, even in the most difficult situations.

A 3rd degree burn is a very severe and extremely painful injury., to one degree or another affecting all layers of the skin, and capable of causing irreversible changes in damaged areas.

Photo 1. Third-degree burns most often occur as a result of a fire. Source: Flickr (ArSalles).

Features of a III degree burn

Unlike other burns, Grade 3 injuries are always characterized by complete damage to all layers of the skin. and the impossibility of its independent full recovery.

Such injuries often have an extensive area of damage, and, as a result, a large amount of dead tissue, which, decaying, can cause severe intoxication of the body.

The treatment process can take more than one month, and almost always requires some kind of surgical intervention. 3rd degree burns never go away., leaving behind rough scars, seams and other cosmetic defects.

Burn forms

Medicine defines two types of third-degree burns, which differ primarily in the depth of the lesion. It is almost impossible to visually determine which type of burn will belong to, since the difference can be determined by fractions of a millimeter.

But the approach to treatment and the possible consequences in this case can be radically different.

Burn 3A

Form 3A is considered less complex, and leaves the patient a chance for partial self-regeneration of damaged skin areas. With such burns, the death of the epidermis and the upper parts of the dermis occurs. Pain sensitivity is preserved.

The affected areas of the epidermis are separated from the body in patches (often along with elements of clothing), exposing the deeper layers of the skin, which quickly change color from pink to dark red. At the site of the lesion, small dots of darker shades quickly begin to appear - multiple hemorrhages in the vessels.

Burn 3B

Applies to more complex injuries affecting all layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Such burns occur as a result of prolonged thermal exposure (boiling liquid, open fire, hot metal), or damage by concentrated alkalis and acids.

It is characterized by the appearance of a dry, dense scab and the loss of pain and tactile sensitivity in the affected area. As it heals, it leads to the formation of dense, rough scars, and often requires surgical intervention.

Note! Local disorders in the circulatory and metabolic systems lead to a significant (by several degrees) decrease in temperature in the burn area. On this basis, a burn of form 3B is most often diagnosed.

Symptoms and signs

Treating a 3rd degree burn requires as soon as possible to determine the depth of the lesion. It is not possible to do this at home, since it requires the use of specialized medical instruments.

Symptoms of type 3A and 3B burns are somewhat different.

Signs of 3A burns

severe pain especially in the first few hours after the burn.
A large number of hemorrhages at the burn site, appearing as red dots or stripes.
The surface of the skin in the affected area is embossed, with a bright red or burgundy tint.
There may be fluid-filled blisters on the skin.

Signs of burns of degree 3B

During the first 20-30 minutes after injury, the victim may not feel pain.
Pressure can take on very low values (even in hypertensive patients), representing a certain danger to the patient's life.
Appearing on the skin blisters quickly burst, forming a dry crust.

First aid to the victim

Any severe burns should be treated in a hospital setting. However, before the arrival of the ambulance, the patient will need to provide:

First of all, it is necessary eliminate the damaging factor.
Can impose to damaged areas sterile bandages or. Cotton wool should not be used, as its fibers will stick to a wet wound and cause severe pain when removed.
Affected area of the body necessary if possible lift up to slow the spread of toxic decay products from the wound throughout the body.

It is forbidden to do

Photo 2. First aid for severe burns is best left to professionals. Source: Flickr (Photo by Moscow).

No matter how much you want to alleviate the suffering of the patient, give to him painkillers drugs before the arrival of the doctors not allowed. This can make it difficult to make a correct diagnosis. In addition, in home medicine cabinets, most likely, there simply will not be the necessary medicines, since very strong narcotic drugs, such as morphine or promedol, are often used to relieve burn shock.
It is forbidden wash wounds from burns with antiseptics or any other liquids. It is better to leave the wounds intact until the ambulance arrives.
Cool damaged plots(especially ice) is also prohibited.

Treatment

Treatment of type 3A and 3B burns is indispensable in hospital(burn department of a hospital or specialized center). Therapeutic measures are a set of procedures aimed at:

Removal of pain syndrome.
Prevention of anemia and hypoxia.
Normalization of metabolism.
Elimination of intoxication of the body.
Prevention of failures in the work of the cardiovascular system.

Conservative treatment

The attending physician starts with anesthesia, while simultaneously treating damaged skin areas, assessing their condition, and deciding on further treatment tactics.

Closed way

Damaged areas are permanently covered with bandages, which minimizes the risk of infection and mechanical damage, but at the same time, increases intoxication from the decomposition of dying tissues. In addition, frequent dressings will inevitably deliver a lot of inconvenience to the patient.

Note! Popular antiseptics are most often used as medicines for dressings: furacilin, silver nitrate, ethacridine lactate.

Can be used in addition to antiseptics treatment burnt surfaces ultraviolet or infrared radiation. This helps to minimize the risk of wet necrosis and eliminate purulent formations.

open way

With open therapy dry crust over the burn formed much faster, and monitoring the healing process is greatly simplified. Among the shortcomings can be noted the constant evaporation of moisture from the injured areas.

The use of ointments for type 3 burns is not prescribed immediately, but only when the process of exudation is completed in the wound (discharge of ichor from small blood vessels). The most commonly practiced application of the following external preparations:

Levomekol.
Gentamicin ointment.
Synthomycin.
Furacilin ointment.

Antibiotics in the treatment of such burns are prescribed quite rarely. Their use is justified if the total area of burns exceeds 10% of the victim's skin. Drugs are administered intramuscularly, and only in the most difficult cases - intravenously. If the course of the disease is complicated by the addition of a fungal infection, appropriate medications (diflucan, levorin, etc.) may be additionally prescribed.

Surgery

A 3rd degree burn is one of the most complex types of injuries, almost always requiring surgery. The nature of such an intervention is determined individually, and largely depends on the severity of the injury. Quite often patients get on operation already on the first day after receiving a burn.

Necrotomy

This intervention means incision of dead skin layers, the so-called burn scab. The opening of the wound is carried out up to the viable layers and is directed, first of all, to the unhindered outflow of fluid from the site of injury.

necrectomy

The next stage of surgical treatment of the wound, which involves excision and removal of necrotic areas of the skin. It is carried out 5-7 days after the burn, when the boundaries of necrosis are clearly marked.

Amputation

The most undesirable outcome for the patient is when the damage to the skin is so severe that they leave doctors no other choice than the complete surgical removal of the affected limb (or part of it).

Skin transplantation

Skin grafting remains the most common operation for third-degree burn victims. Intervention involves the sequential implementation of several stages:

Removal of donor material. Often, for these purposes, skin areas taken from healthy areas of the patient himself are used.
Preliminary surface preparation, including cleaning, rinsing with special solutions and drying.
Transplantation of a piece of skin on a wound.

transplants fixed in place with sutures or bandages able to take root in a new place in about a week.

Physiotherapy treatment

Various physiotherapy procedures can be a great addition to the main treatment, helping to stop the development of dangerous inflammatory processes, relieve pain and accelerate the rate of regeneration of damaged skin areas.

In the phase of active tissue repair, the following are used:

Ultraviolet therapy (up to 12 sessions per day).
Low-frequency magnetotherapy (daily for 35 minutes, course of treatment - 15 days).
Laser exposure (within 20 days, daily sessions lasting 20 minutes are prescribed).
Electrical stimulation (at least 15 sessions).

At later stages, when scar tissue is actively forming, paraffin baths, ultraphonophoresis or electrophoresis with lidase can be practiced.

rehabilitation period

The rehabilitation period implies the implementation of the whole set of measures aimed at the speedy healing of burns and the return of the patient to normal life. During this period, the body of the victim may still experience some disorders:

Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath.
Renal failure.
Metabolic disorders.
Gastrointestinal disorders (most often - poor appetite, constipation).
Disorders of the cardiovascular system.

Consequences and complications

The negative consequences of a third-degree burn can manifest as:

Toxemia- entry into the blood toxic substances formed by decaying tissues in the wound.
Development of dangerous purulent processes.
intoxication caused by dysfunction of the kidneys and liver.
infectious processes up to sepsis.

Burn Prevention

No one can completely insure themselves against burns, but each person can significantly reduce the likelihood of getting them. It is enough just to listen to the recommendations of experts:

Be careful when preparing food.
If possible, put pots with boiling water on the stove burners farthest from the edge.
Protect children from access to open flames.
Avoid exposed electrical wiring or loose sockets and switches in your home.
Hazardous chemicals must be stored in a secure location and clearly labelled.
Buy for your house or apartment fire extinguisher.