Burns
Experts in the treatment of burns and their sequelae in Valencia and Albacete
General overview
Burns are one of the most common types of skin injury that can occur in the home, although the most serious injuries usually occur in the context of workplace accidents, disasters, loss of consciousness and suicide attempts. Burns are characterized by severe damage to the integrity of the skin, causing the destruction of its various layers.
From its earliest stages, the treatment of burns aims not only to provide good skin coverage for the damaged area, but also to prevent scarring sequelae, such as contracted scars that limit the range of movement of the affected joints. To achieve this, it is essential to begin rehabilitation treatment in the earliest phases of the burn.
The sequelae of burns, such as scar contractures that limit joint mobility or cause severe aesthetic deformity, and hypertrophic and keloid scars, can achieve significant improvements in their functional and aesthetic results when the appropriate treatment is applied.
Classification of burns
Burns can be caused by an excessive input of thermal or electrical energy, or by the effect of chemical substances, both acids and alkalis. They are classified according to the depth of tissue affected, which defines their severity:
- First degree: Tissue destruction is limited exclusively to the epidermis. Erythema appears in the affected area, causing discomfort, and resolves in about 3 days. The most superficial epidermis will peel over the course of a week.
- Superficial second degree: Tissue destruction reaches the superficial portion of the dermis, sparing the deep dermis. Blisters and skin peeling appear, leaving the dermal bed exposed. These lesions are painful, the dermis is pink-red in color, blanches with pressure and bleeds on superficial pinprick. Although there is some variation between individuals depending on each patient’s characteristics, these lesions usually epithelialize within 10 to 15 days of appearing.
- Deep second degree: Tissue destruction reaches the deep half of the dermis, without affecting the full thickness of the dermis. These lesions are not usually painful (being deeper, they damage the nerves and remove sensation). The dermis is whitish in color, does not blanch or change with pressure, and does not bleed on superficial pinprick. In general, these lesions can heal by secondary intention when they affect a very small amount of the skin surface, taking about 2-3 weeks to heal. However, when it is anticipated that, because of the size or characteristics of the burn, it will not epithelialize on its own within 3 weeks, the burned tissue must be removed and the bed covered with skin grafts.
- Third degree: Tissue destruction involves the entire dermis, reaching the hypodermal layer, which is rich in adipose tissue. These lesions are not usually painful and have a white or brownish appearance and a hard consistency, and do not bleed on deep pinprick. They can take months to heal on their own, so most cases require removal of the burned tissue and coverage with split-thickness skin grafts.
Dr. Enrique Salmerón González is an expert in the treatment of burns and their sequelae, having worked for 5 years in the Plastic Surgery and Major Burns Department of the Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe in Valencia. He has also carried out research from the Major Burns Unit that has earned him prestigious professional awards, such as the main prize of the Royal Academy of Medicine and Surgery of the Balearic Islands and the “Profesor Orozco Acuaviva” Award of the Royal Academy of Medicine and Surgery of Cádiz.
If you would like treatment for your burns or their sequelae in Valencia or Albacete, you can request an appointment with Dr. Enrique Salmerón González for a personalized assessment of your case and detailed information about the whole process by clicking here.