CYSF

TOGGLE OUTLINE

Presentation
Problem
Method
Research
Data
Conclusion
Citations
Acknowledgement
Attachments

An exploration of burn degrees and their impact on scarring

Understanding what burn degrees are, how they affect scarring, and how to treat them.

Aicha Salah

Grade 6

Presentation

No video provided

Problem

PROBLEM

This project aims to address the concerns about how burn degrees work, how they impact scarring, and how to treat them.

HYPOTHESIS

I think the severity of burns (measured in degrees) directly impacts the results of scarring. Higher degree burns causing more extensive and permanent scars due to deeper tissue damage and slower healing, and lower degree burns causing less tissue damage, meaning it will prevent extensive skin damage and scars won't form.

Method

Computer research.

Research

WHAT IS A BURN DEGREE AND WHAT QUALIFIESA BURN

A burn degree is a term of measurement to categorize and distinguish how severe a burn is. Burn degrees increase in number depending how much damage the burn has caused.

Burns can be constituted by a few factors. For starters, it’s an injury caused to skin or predominantly obtained by heat sources or other causes (explained in more detail in a following sections) such as friction, cold surfaces, electricity, etc.

FIRST DEGREE

1st degree burns, also known as superficial burns affect only the epidermis which is the outer layer of skin. The burn spot/area is often red, sore, dry, and seemingly possess no blisters. However, superficial burns rarely scar or leave long term tissue damage as an aftermath. If tissue damage did occur, it would be an increase or decrease in skin color. An example of a first degree burn would be sunburn, hot steam, etc.

SECOND DEGREE

A 2nd degree burn otherwise called partial thickness burns are usually mild or moderate. In addition to this, they can typically be dealt with or treated at home. Second degree burns damage your epidermis and your dermis (second layer of skin). They also tend to appear as skin discoloration (deep red to dark born), blisters, or shiny, moist skin and cause pain, irritation, or discomfort. Second degree burns should naturally heal and fade in about 2 weeks and occasionally leave a scar. An example of a second degree burn would be very hot, boiling liquids or hot oil.

THIRD DEGREE

3rd degree burns also known as full thickness burns involve all the skin and sometimes the fat and muscle tissue underneath. These are quite extreme as anything above a minor 3rd degree burn should be treated by a doctor. Infection is a major concern in 3rd degree burns. They require immediate attention from a doctor or a healthcare provider and any higher burn degree does as well. Burned areas are often dry, black, brown, white, cherry red, and tend to feel leathery. Also, there is little or no pain when burned on a 3rd degree level as the nerves are often destroyed. 3rd degree burns damage your epidermis, dermis, and can reach the layer of fat under your skin (hypodermis). Some causes of 3rd degree burns consist of hot oil, electrical currents, and open flames.

HOW BURNS SCAR

Burn scars form when the skin is damaged by sources of burns. Scarring is less noticeable for burns less severe burns as the injry heals with time.. However, when the deeper layers of skin are injured, the scarring tends to be more permanent, often causing skin to apper thick, leathery, or have uneven tissue.

TREATMENT

1st degree

Apply a cool substance on the burn. Cool water should work best. Avoid using ice as it can destroy tissue and increase chances of infection.
Apply petroleum jelly 2-3 times daily.
Cover with a non-stick bandage.
If pain continues, consider taking Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen to reduce pain or inflammation.
When the burn has healed, keep the healed area away from sunlight and seek shade. If not, wear some protective clothing or apply a broad spectrum, waterproof sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher.

2nd degree

Use cool water to gently rinse the burn site. Try and keep it underwater for at least 5 minutes and at most 30 minutes. Lightly pat the burn dry with a clean towel.
Cover the burn with a clean bandage or wound dressing like non-stick gauze.
Avoid touching your wound or placing clothes on it (avoid things that can cause friction or rub against the wound).
Take pain relievers such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen in order to dwindle irritation.
Change your bandage at least once daily.

3rd degree

Despite the fact 3rd degree burns are typically cared for by doctors, this can generally explain what they do when treating 3rd degree burns.

Doctors check vital signs, evaluate the size and severity of the burn, and manage pain with medication.
The burn is cleaned with sterile solutions, and dead or damaged tissue is removed to prevent infection and promote healing.
Antibiotic creams or ointments are applied, and clean, infection-free dressings are used to protect the wound.
IV fluids are administered to prevent dehydration and maintain blood pressure.
For deep or extensive burns, healthy skin from another area (or synthetic materials) is grafted onto the burn site.
Physical therapy is provided to prevent stiffness and maintain mobility, especially if the burn is near joints.
Compression garments, scar treatments, and possible counseling support recovery and minimize long-term effects.

DIFFERENT TYPES AND COMMON CAUSES OF BURNS

Thermal burns: Thermal burns are obtained when someone comes in contact with a hot surface. These can result if you aren't careful. A small thermal burn would look slightly red and develop in symptoms the further it damages.
Chemical Burns: You can get chemical burns from harsh substances such as bleach, battery acid, or disinfectants. The area gets red and swollen but does not develop blisters.
Electrical Burns: You get electrical burns from electricity sources. For example, stun guns or tasers. Electrical burns typically appear white or black and feel numb.
Radiation Burns: You can get radiation burns from an extended period of withstanding radiation therapy or get a sunburn. Your skin may get swollen and puffy. There’s also a chance your skin may have a moist reaction which is when your skin wet and sore. In this case, it is prone to infection.
Friction Burns: You get friction burns from immense friction interactions that irritate the skin. Some causes of a friction burn could be dragging something heavy on a rope, a motorcycle incident, or from sliding on carpet. All of which are easily avoidable if you be cautious and aware.
Cold Burns/Frostbite: Frostbite’s result from interaction with cold substances. Some causes of frostbite consist of staying out in the cold for too long or contact with a cold material.

Data

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding burns and their effects on the skin is essential for both prevention and treatment. From minor, superficial burns to more severe, deep burns, to even burns that scar, comprehending what burns you get is a vital thing to learn in self care. The scarring that happens can range from temporary fading to permanent marks, affecting not only the appearance but also the healthiness of the skin. By studying burn degrees and their impact, we gain valuable information on how the body heals and how we can help care for those who are injured.