Download Other Skin Imbalances

Other Skin Imbalances
Burns
• Skin is only as thick as a paper towel
• When it is severely damaged nearly every
body system suffers.
• Burn = Tissue damage and cell death caused
by heat, electricity, uv radiation, or chemicals.
• 2 life threatening problems occur:
– Loss of fluid containing proteins and electrolytes
• Can shutdown of kidneys and circulatory shock!!
– Infection
Burn Classifications
• 1st degree: only the epidermis is damaged
– Area appers red and swollen. Not usually serious.
– Sunburn is a 1st degree burn
• 2nd degree the epidermis and the upper region
of the dermis is damaged.
– Area is red and painful and blisters appear.
• 3rd Destroys the entire thickness of the skin.
– Area looks gray-white or blackened because nerve
endings have been destroyed.
– Skin grafts are used to replace skin.
When do burns become critical?
• Over 25% of body has 2nd degree burns
• Over 10% of body has 3rd degree burns
• 3rd degree burns of the face, hands, or
feet.
1st degree burns
Decubitus Ulcers
• Decubitus ulcer = Bedsores
• Occur in bedridden patients
– Not turned over regularly or are dragged across
bed.
• Body pressure restricts blood supply and cells
begin to die. Cracks or breaks in the skin occur
and permanent damage results.
Decubitus Ulcer