burn
burn Injury caused by exposure to flames, scalding liquids, caustic chemicals, acids, electric current, or ionizing radiation. Its severity depends on the extent of skin loss and the depth of tissue damage. A superficial burn, involving only the epidermis, causes redness, swelling and pain; it heals within a few days. A partial thickness burn (epidermis and dermis) causes intense pain, with mottling and blistering of the skin; it takes a couple of weeks to heal. In a full thickness burn, involving both the skin and the underlying flesh, there is charring, and the damaged flesh looks dry and leathery; there is no pain because the nerve endings have been destroyed. Such a burn, serious in itself, is associated with life-threatening complications, including dehydration and infection. Treatment includes fluid replacement and antibiotics; skin grafting may be necessary.
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burn
