Chapter 32, Problem 2AC

Summary Introduction

To determine:

Why third degree burns are usually painless. Skin develops from edges of these wounds. Second degree wounds are often very painful. Skin develops from the cells located at the burn edges, in hair follicles and in sweat glands and first degree burns are very painful but heal rapidly from undamaged epidermal cells. Using this concept draw the damage of first-, second- and third-degree burns.

Introduction:

Burns are described as painful wounds caused by thermal, chemical or electrical energy.

Thermal burns are caused by a heat source that raises the temperature if the skin leading to its death and charring. These sources include hot metals, steams, flames and hot liquids. Depending on the severity of the burn these are classified into three categories: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns.