Burns

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Burns of the skin are a very serious matter.  They are labeled in three categories:
1.  First-degreen burns, in which only the epidermis is damaged;
Second-degree burns, in which the epidermis and part of the dermis are damaged;
Third-degree burns, in which both epidermis and dermis are damaged or destroyed, along with part of the hypodermis.
First-degree burns, though they can be quite uncomfortable, are generally not overly serious, since they generally heal within three or four days without noticeable side effects.  Second-degree burns, however, can pose more problems due to the possibility of scarring and/or infection.  They will generally heal in three to four weeks, leaving significant scar tissue.  Third-degree burns are dangerous because the entire skin has been destroyed, and fluids and electrolytes are lost.  This kind of burns requires skin grafting and infusion of fluids and electrolytes via gastric tube and IV routes.  Burns of the hands, feet or face (and in particular the face can be life-threatening because respiratory passages can be damaged or destroyed, leading to potential suffocation.  Burns are considered critical if any of the following three conditions exists:
1.  second-degree burns on more than 25% of the body;
2.  Third-degree burns on more than 10% of the body;
3.  Third-degree burns on face, hands or feet.