BURNS
Burns result from dry heat, corrosive substances, and
frictions.
Scalds are caused by wet heat, hot liquids and vapors.
Extreme cold, radiation or electric current also
causes burns.
The effects of burns may be local, resulting in cell
injury or death, or both local and systemic, involving primary or secondary
shock.
BURNS are usually classified as
First
degree - Minimal depth in skin
Superficial burns, damage being limited to outer layer
of the epidermis. Characterized by erythema, hyperemia, tenderness and pain. No
vesiculation
Second
degree - Superficial to deep partial thickness of skin
Burns in which damage extends through the epidermis
and into the dermis but not sufficient extent to interfere with regeneration of
epidermis. If secondary infection results, the damage from a second degree burn
may be equivalent to that of a third degree. Vesicles usually present.
Third
degree - Full thickness of skin including tissue beneath
skin
Burns in which both epidermis and dermis are destroyed
with damage extending into underlying tissues. Tissues may be charged or
coagulated.
COMPLICATIONS
Sloughing; gangrene; erysipelas; nephritis; pneumonia;
intestinal disturbances.
Sudden attacks of rigor, vomiting, rise of temperature
and convulsions are all suspicious symptoms.
A superficial burn covering a large part of the body
is more serious than a small deep one. If two-thirds of the skin is destroyed,
death may be expected even in a burn of the first degree. Shock must always be
expected regardless of degree of burn.
EMERGENCY
MEASURES
Depth of burns, its extent and immediate first aid
decides the prognosis of casualty. Priority is to neutralize the heat. If
burning is allowed to go unchecked, the casualty will be injured more severely.
Never allow a person whose clothing is burning to run.
The individual should lie down and roll.
Wrap the individual in a blanket or anything within
reach.
Do not allow the individual to inhale the smoke.
Cut away the clothing, taking care not to pull any portion
of the skin away.
Do not open any blisters.
Patients with extensive burns should be immediately
transferred to the hospital and intravenous fluids administered to replace the
fluid loss.
Asepsis and proper care of wounds, establishing and
maintaining the airway, relief from pain, prevention or control of infection
and shock, maintenance of water and electrolyte balance and proper nutrition.
Treatment of shock takes precedence over local therapy.
To stop the burning process, pour water for minimum 10
minutes over burns.
Treat shock.
Treat associated injuries.
Cover the area with clean cloth.
Do not overcool, remove anything sticking to the
burns, open any blisters, apply lotions, ointments or use adhesive dressings.
ELECTRIC
BURNS
Lightning strike or low-high voltage current can cause
cardiac arrest. If the casualty is unconscious immediate treatment is ABC of
resuscitation.
The position of entry and exit of electrical current
through the body will alter the extent of burns. Degree of damage is proportionate
to the resistance for passage of electric current through the body.
Flood the site of injury with plenty of water to
neutralize heat.
Do not approach the casualty unless electric current
is disconnected.
CHEMICAL
BURNS
Chemicals may irritate or damage the skin or can be
absorbed through skin causing widespread or fatal damage.
Flood the affected area with water for 20 minutes to
dispose and dilute the chemical.
Remove contaminated clothing very gently.
Watch for shock.
Do not try to neutralize the chemical.
HOMEOPATHIC
THERAPEUTICS
Scalds
ARS, CANTH, CAUST, HEP, KALI-BI, URT-U
Acet-ac, Acon, Arn, Cal-s, Calen, Camph, Carb-ac,
Gaul, Grin, Ham, Jab, Kreos, Petr, Rhus-t, Ter
Burns fail to heal, or ill effects
Carb-ac, Caust
Burns, Gas, from
Both l
Burns, Skin, with unbroken
Urt-u
Burns, Suppuration with
Calc-s
Burns, Vapor, from hot
Kali-bi
Burns, X-ray, from
Calc-f, Phos, Rad-br, X-ray
Shock due to burns
Arnica
MANAGEMENT
OF BURNS
1. First aid most important; early and effective management
can reduce complications.
2. Acute homeopathic management
a) Local
applications Burns and scalds are examples of adynamic conditions that
require external local
applications to prevent sepsis and promote healing.
b)
Homeopathic internal medication for the treatment of burns and scalds and the
acute symptomatology.
c)
Posology Low potency, Frequent repetition.
3. Management of complications / long term effects
The complications and long term effects
of burns and scalds are managed by a consideration of the totality of
the case and the indicated medicine
accordingly prescribed.
THERAPEUTIC
INDICATIONS
CANTHARIS
Best first aid for burns.
Due to fire, painful burns, sunburns, scalds by
boiling liquids, blisters.
Burns before blisters form and when they have formed.
Oversensitiveness of all parts.
Pain: raw, sore, burning in every part of the body,
internally and externally.
Disgust for everything drink, food, and tobacco.
Complications nephritis Constant urging to urinate
but passes a few drops a time mixed
with blood; violent tenesmus and strangury.
For external application, use mother tincture mixed in
water, ten drops in half a teacup,
repeatedly.
URTICA
URENS
Itching blotches
Superficial burn, sunburn.
CAUSTICUM
Old burns, scalds that do not get well.
Cicatrices, especially burns, scalds freshen up,
become sore again.
Patients say, they have never been well since that
burn.
ARNICA
It has a great power of delaying and preventing suppuration.
It prevents pyaemia.
Fears touch or the approach of anyone.
CALENDULA
Superficial burns and scalds.
Promotes healthy granulation and rapid healing by
first intention.
Promotes favorable cicatrization, with least amount of
suppuration.
For burns, prefer Calendula Cerate
PICRIC
ACID
A 1 percent solution is the best application for burns
until granulations begin to form.
CARBOLIC
ACID
Itching vesicles, with burning pain.
RADIUM
BROMATUM
Ulcers due to radium burns take a long time to heal.
X
RAY
Repeated exposure to X-rays produces skin lesions,
often followed by cancer.
DR. SUMIT GOEL M.D. (Hom)