A burn is a type of injury to skin, or other tissues, caused by heat, cold, electricity, chemicals, friction, or radiation

Aetiology

Burns can be caused by multiple factors including:

• Thermal (flames, scalds, contact with hot objects)
• Chemical (acids, alkalis, organic compounds)
• Electrical (low and high voltage)
• Radiation (sunlight, tanning booths, radiotherapy)
• Friction (road rash, rope burns)

Clinical features

• Pain (can be absent in severe burns due to nerve damage)
• Redness and swelling
• Blisters
• Peeling skin
• White or charred skin (in severe burns)

Rule of 9s for estimating burns

• Head = 9%
• Torso (front) = 18%
• Torso (back) = 18%
• Whole arm = 9%
• Hand = 1%