Ideally this is within two to three weeks after the injury. The hand is then splinted (see Figure 3) until the grafts are healed, and then mobilization begins. Most surgeons remove the dead skin as soon as it is evident that the burn is full thickness, and graft immediately. The timing of this depends on the size and location of the burns. 3rd Degree (Full Thickness Burns): The dead skin will need to be removed and replaced with skin grafts.Some 2nd degree burns may need excision of damaged skin followed by skin grafting. Wound healing occurs within two to three weeks. If there are open, raw surfaces, cleaning with frequent dressing changes and the application of local topical antibiotics is performed until the wounds are healed. 2nd Degree (Partial Thickness Burns): Blisters may or may not be trimmed but the hand and forearm should be splinted in a position of safety to prevent later stiffness.1st Degree (Superficial Burns): Treated primarily for comfort with local analgesics and pain medications.Burns localized in the hand may be treated on an outpatient basis if the pain can be adequately controlled. Burns over a major percentage of the body require hospitalization and care in special burn units. The treatment depends on the depth and extent of the burn. 4th Degree: as in third degree but with damage to deeper structures,such as tendons, joints, boneĪfter first aid measures that include removing the hand from the source of heat and keeping it clean, treatment focuses on preventing further problems with stiffness and infection.3rd Degree: full thickness skin damage-skin is white and leathery.2nd Degree: partial thickness skin damage-blisters present.1st Degree: superficial-redness of skin without blisters.Burns can also result from contact with certain chemicals.īurns are classified by the depth of injury, which helps determine the appropriate treatment (see Figure 1-2). If sufficiently severe, the full thickness of the skin can be destroyed, as well as tissues under it. The depth of the injury depends on the intensity of the heat and the length of time that it is applied. What happens in burns? When the skin comes in contact with something hot, it may be damaged, with death of cells in the skin.

Thickness burn