Definition
Burns ( Combustio ) are traumatic injuries to the skin and underlying tissues caused by exposure to:
- Thermal energy (flames, scalds, hot objects),
- Chemical agents (acids, alkalis),
- Electrical sources (current or lightning),
- Radiation, or
- Friction.
They result in coagulative necrosis, inflammation, and varying degrees of tissue destruction.
Types of Burns ( Etiology )
Burns may be caused by different agents:
- Heat – flames, hot liquids, gases
- Electrical – electrocution or lightning ( electrocutio, fluminatio )
- Radiation – e.g., sunburn ( insolatio), radiation therapy
- Friction – high- speed injuries (e.g., road rash)
- Chemical – acid (coagulation necrosis) or base (liquefaction necrosis)
Estimation of Total Burn Surface Area: Rule of Nines
Used to estimate the percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) involved in the burn:
- Head and neck – 9%
- Each upper extremity – 9%
- Anterior torso (thorax + abdomen) – 2 × 9 = 18%
- Posterior torso (back + lumbar region) – 2 × 9 = 18%
- Each lower extremity (incl. gluteal region) – 18%
- Anus and perineum – 1%
Note: Only second and third-degree burns are counted for calculating TBSA in fluid replacement therapy.