Burn : Complication

 Written by April Khan and Matthew Solan | Published on August 13, 2014
Medically Reviewed by George Krucik, MD, MBA on August 13, 2014

Complications

Third-degree burns carry the most risk for complications, such as infections, blood loss, and shock. Still, this doesn’t mean that minor first and second-degree burns can’t cause complications. All burns carry the risk of infections because bacteria can enter broken skin. Sepsis, or a bloodstream infection, can occur in the most severe cases. This can lead to shock or even death.
Tetanus is another possible complication with burns of all levels. Like sepsis, tetanus is a bacterial infection. It affects the nervous system, eventually leading to problems with muscle contractions. As a rule of thumb, every member of your household should receive updated tetanus shots every five years to prevent this type of infection.
Severe burns also carry the risk of hypothermia and hypovolemia. Hypothermia is characterized by dangerously low body temperatures. While this may seem like an unexpected complication of a burn, the condition is actually prompted by excessive loss of body heat from an injury. Hypovolemia, or low blood volume, occurs when your body loses too much blood from a burn.
Scars are a complication of all burns. Severe burns may cause keloids, which are discolored areas of scar tissue on the skin. While keloids aren’t harmful in themselves, they can be bothersome. The appearance of scar tissue can worsen with sun exposure, so be sure to wear adequate sunscreen on any exposed areas.

Preventing All Levels of Burns

The best way to fight burns is to prevent them from happening altogether. Certain jobs put you at a greater risk for burns, but the fact is that most of them happen at home. Infants and young children are the most vulnerable to burns. Here are some tips for the preventive measures you can take:

• Keep children out of the kitchen while cooking.
• Turn pot handles towards the back of the stove.
• Place a fire extinguisher near the kitchen.
• Test smoke detectors once a month.
• Replace smoke detectors every 10 years.
• Keep water heater temperature under 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Measure bath water temperature before use.
• Lock up matches and lighters.
• Install electrical outlet covers.
• Check and discard electrical cords with exposed wires.
• Keep chemicals out of reach, and wear gloves during chemical use.
• Wear sunscreen every day, and avoid peak sunlight.
• Ensure all smoking products are stubbed out completely.
• Clean out dryer lint traps regularly.

It’s also important to have a fire escape plan and to practice it with your family once a month. In the event of a fire, make sure to crawl underneath smoke. This will minimize the risk of passing out and becoming trapped in a fire.

Part 8 of 8: Outlook

Outlook for Burns

When properly and quickly treated, the outlook for first and second-degree burns is good. These burns are also less prone to scarring. The key is to minimize further damage and infection. Extensive damage from severe second-degree and third-degree burns can lead to problems in deep skin tissues, bones, and organs. Patients may require:

• surgery
• physical therapy
• rehabilitation
• lifelong assisted care

While it’s important to gain adequate physical treatment from burns, don’t forget to find help for your emotional needs. There are support groups available for burn victims, as well as certified counselors