Our data indicate that the systemic cytokine response to burn injury is mainly represented by IL-6. These data also support the hypothesis that IL-6 is a key mediator of the variations in protein metabolism following burn injury. MeSH terms
A burn is tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight, or nuclear radiation. The most common burns are those caused by hot liquid or steam, building fires, and flammable liquids and gases.
But when faced with large or deep burns, it can overreact, often making the injury more severe and harming the heart, lungs, blood vessels, kidneys, and other organ systems. During this inflammatory response, there is fluid loss that can cause a sharp and potentially deadly drop in blood pressure known as shock.
A large burn injury is likely to include burned areas of different depths. Deep burns heal more slowly, are more difficult to treat, and are more prone to complications such as infections and scarring.
Someone can suffer a burn due to exposure to a chemical, an open flame, an electrical shock or one of a number of other reasons. When a burn is extensive enough to cover a large portion of the body, the pain can be debilitating — and last for weeks.
There are three main types of burns: first-degree, second-degree and third degree. Here is a brief look at each.
When a burn is severe, it can have impacts that last for years. It can lead to horrible disfigurement, and potentially result in the need for amputation. There is also a risk for damage to organs, possibly fatal infections, and other life-threatening complications.
In addition to the physical damage that a severe burn can cause, there are also psychological impacts of this kind of injury as well. Someone may experience significant mental distress after being burned, distress that can last for months or longer. These are just some of the many ways this can happen.
As you can see, the effects of a severe burn can lead to not only physical suffering, but mental suffering as well. You may not only be concerned about your physical appearance, but also your ability to pay your medical bills. If the injury has impacted your ability to work, you may be worried about your lost wages.
A large burn injury is likely to include burned areas of different depths. Deep burns heal more slowly, are more difficult to treat, and are more prone to complications such as infections and scarring. Very deep burns are the most life-threatening of all and may require amputation. Types of burns include:
Now, thanks to research—a large portion of it supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)—people with burns covering 90 percent of their bodies can survive, although they often have permanent impairments and scars.
A burn is tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight, or nuclear radiation. The most common burns are those caused by hot liquid or steam, building fires, and flammable liquids and gases.
NIGMS funds research on how the body responds to and recovers from burns, the best ways to treat these injuries, and the long-term physiological outcomes of people who have been burned. For example, an NIGMS-funded project designed to understand the body’s response to major injury revealed that the bodies of burn survivors require a year or more to recover. Researchers have also learned how to replace skin by growing epidermal skin cells in a laboratory and by developing artificial skin products that can temporarily protect the burned area while the body heals. Past research has revealed new and better ways to replenish fluids, clean wounds, control infection, support nutrition, and minimize pain. Research continues in these areas.
In many cases, health care providers cover the burned area using sterile bandages with topical antibiotics (skin creams or ointments) or long-acting, silver-containing dressings to prevent infection.
Fourth degree burns extend into fat, fifth degree burns into muscle, and sixth degree burns to bone. Cross-section of skin anatomy shows layers and different tissue types. Credit: NIGMS.
The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors is an international, nonprofit organization helping burn survivors and their families. Shriners Hospitals for Children is a nationwide network of hospitals that provide orthopedic and burn care to children under 18 years of age, regardless of financial need.