Third and fourth degree burns are burns that are very severe that need to be treated urgently. The third degree burn normally involves burn of nerves and tissues, whereas fourth degree burn extends up to an individuals’ bone. This results to poor or lack of pain response by an individual due to damaged nervous system of the patients and the skin (Thali et al., 2009, p.344).
These burns occur when the burn exposure is prolonged. The burn may be due to chemicals, fire, hot liquids or very hot metals. Other cases may involve intense ultraviolet rays or electric burst. When these burns are not treated urgently, the severity due to the burns get worse.
Symptoms of third degree burns are deteriorated skin, underlying tissues exposed, exposure of fat or adipose tissue. For the fourth degree burn, symptoms may include exposed muscle tissues and bones. In both burns, the skin appears dark due to the partial burn.
There are several risks associated with these burns. They can cause an individual to be in a state of shock. There may also be lack of proper blood circulation if the major blood vessels are damaged. This leads to lack of oxygen as well. Also, permanent limb damage may occur due to damaged bones and tissue. When wounds are exposed, there may be infections that lead to sepsis. Sepsis is a life threatening infection. Again, compartment syndrome may occur if the hypodermis is damaged. There may also be death if the burns are severe.
Only medical professional should treat these burns (Zand et al., 1999, p. 159). Some first aid treatments like running cold water on patients will complicate things. Again, hypothermia can be the result when large areas of burn are cooled fast.
Medical treatments involve administering of antibiotics to the patients and receiving intravenous fluid so as to prevent infections and dehydration respectively. Also, other surgical methods or skin grafts may be used by physicians in the recreation of skin protective layer that is burned.
References
Thali, M. J., Dirnhofer, R., & Vock, P. (2009). The virtopsy approach: 3D optical and radiological scanning and reconstruction in forensic medicine. Boca Raton: CRC Press/Taylor & Francis.
Zand, J., Spreen, A. N., & LaValle, J. B. (1999). Smart medicine for healthier living. Garden City Park, NY: Avery Pub. Group.
