Severe Burns Research Paper

Burns generally are classified based on first, second, or third-degree; depending on the damage caused to the layers of the skin. But burns can also be classified as either superficial or severe as well. A superficial burn is one that does not cause damage past the first layer of skin (Epidermis). Most often caused by mild sunburn, short exposure to an open flame, or harsh chemicals; these burns are characterized by redness, swelling, and may be painful. Unless a large area of the body was affected, these type of burns are not very serious and will heal within a few weeks. Severe burns may be characterized by the skin appearing charred, white or waxy. If deep enough, these burns affect the subcutaneous fat layer or even muscle and bone. They

When a burn compromises these layers they damage the blood vessels, nerve endings, hair follicles, and immune cells called lymphocytes. In extreme cases muscle, tendons, and bone can be damaged as well. Due to the skin not being able to repair itself after most severe burns, doctors have used artificial skin to aid in the healing of burn victims. Artificial skin is made of a weave of collagen fibers that promote skin growth in humans. This form of treatment is beneficial for many reasons, first being that the artificial skin is sterile; free from bacteria and viruses. Second, the patient does not require a graft of skin from another area of the body. The patient can receive a much larger amount of artificial skin for a burn injury than would someone that required grafts from other areas of the body. The skin is the largest organ of the human body and part of the integumentary system. This organ plays a vital role in homeostasis. Compromising the skin can lead to infection due to the body having no barrier against pathogens. Bacteria can enter the blood stream directly through the network of capillaries no longer protected by the skin. The body also has issues with monitoring temperature if a large area of skin is burned. Another major concern is the body not being able to regulate blood pressure due to the permeability of the