Question

Dehydration is one of the problems that people have when they have large third-degree burns on their skin. Why do you think this is? What part(s) of the skin is compromised that causes dehydration?

Would you expect someone with second-degree burns to have this problem? Why or why not?

Answer 1

• severity of burn for a patient is a factor resposible for the dependence of capillaries during buring
• in the third degree burning fat layer under the skin is affected
• the third degree burning entire skin and nerves will be affected as the body's barrier against water loss from the body is lost
• this result in sweepage fluiid to the burned surface leading to electron imbalance and dehydration
• the burned surface will be black or brown or white with leathery skin
• due damage of protective layer of the body ie, the skin, there will be loss of fluid and also protection against bacteria is lost
• sweepage of fluid to the burned area also cause edema as the dead tissue in the burned area have lost the elastic property so this may cause constriction of blood vessels thus the blood flow to that area is reduced and it may cause hypovolemic shock
• second degree burns damage to the second layer of skin. It can be burns due to sun or radiation or heat the affected area appears moist and red
• here only the top layer of skin is affected compared to the third degree burning . healing may take longer time as compared to the first degree burning so treatment should be taken
• this does not cause dehydration as the electron balance can be maintained little fluid loss may occur but it can be reaccomplish by oral rehydration