Burns occur when heat from any source - hot liquids ( scalds ), hot solids, flames, ultraviolet radiation (sunburn ) or radioactivity, electricity and chemicals destroy some or all of the different layers of cells which form the human skin. Respiratory insults resulting from smoke inhalation are also burn injuries.

• Flame burns are the commonest form of burns.
  If the clothes catch fire and cannot be removed at once, severe burns can occur.
• Scalds are usually caused by hot water and other hot fluids and steam.
  The burns sustained are less serious than those with flame, which always has a higher temperature.
• Chemical burns can be caused by both strong acids and alkalies.
  Usually, the chemicals penetrate the skin and are difficult to remove and cause deep burns. Considerable scar formation and deformity occur. If the face is involved the eyes may be badly damaged.
• Electricity - In burns due to electricity, the damage is at the point where the electricity enters the body, where it leaves and in the deeper tissues between these two points.
• Radiation burns occur in doctors and other people working with x-rays without protection.
• Nuclear warfare will cause severe burns in the survivors.

It has been seen that 95% of the burn injuries are accidental and can be prevented with care and precautions. A lot of times women and children are involved because a lot of accidents occur at home and in the kitchen. The pressure stoves are very risky and floor level cooking using kerosene stoves etc. also cause a lot of accidents. Fire crackers during Diwali cause a lot of burn injuries when not used with care. Fires also happen with faulty electrical connections and in factories using dangerous gases and chemicals.

Dr. Anup Dhir can also be contacted at the Alpha One Andrology Group or www.thecosmeticsurgeon.com

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