Print this topic

HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury

Major burns

Important

All burns need immediate first aid.

Illustration showing a cross section of skin with the 2 types of minor burn and the 2 types of major burnWhen burns are deep or cover a large area, they are considered major burns. There are 2 types of major burn.

Mid-deep partial thickness or mid-deep dermal burn (second degree burn). The skin will usually have large blisters and be blotchy red or white, but not be very painful. Healing is very slow.

Full thickness burn (third degree burn). The burn wound will be very white, brown or black and can look and feel like leather. This type of burn generally needs a skin graft. There will be scarring.

Other reasons for burns to be considered major include:

Scarring is the most common complication of a burn. Sometimes a burn scar can pull the skin together too tightly, restricting movement. This is known as contracture and may need surgery.

Burns can also cause other serious problems, such as fluid and heat loss. This is because when the skin is damaged, it leaks fluid and lets out heat. With very severe burns this can be life-threatening.

Burn wounds can also get infected. This can cause significant illness, delay their healing and make it more likely they will scar.

Treating major burns

For major burns, you will need treatment from your general practice team. For the most severe burns, you will need specialist care at hospital.

Your treatment may include special dressings. You may also need 1 or more operations. These are usually done by a plastic surgeon or at a specialist burns unit.

There are two main types of procedures – debridement and skin grafting.

Debridement is when dead or damaged tissue is removed.

Skin grafts are used for most full thickness (third degree) and some mid-deep partial thickness (second degree) burns to improve and speed up healing. They can also be used when skin around a scar is too tight (contracture) or to make the wound look better.

Your general practice team can refer you to a specialist who can help you minimise the effects of scarring.

Coping and emotional recovery

Burns can have a major emotional impact for you and your caregiver or parent. Talk to any of the team caring for you or your relative and ask if you would like extra support. There are some specialist services you can be referred to. Support groups can help as well.

  HealthInfo recommends the following pages

On the next page: Preventing burns

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created October 2024.

Sources

Page reference: 1440814

Review key: HIBUR-30143