In: Anatomy and Physiology
Before Going throught the pathophysiology of burns Lets look at anatomy of skin.
Skin is the largest organ of the body.
It has 3 major tissue layers.
Epidermis
The outermost layer, the epidermis, is composed of stratified
epithelium.
The stratum corneum acts as a barrier to impede
the entrance of microorganisms and toxic substances while allowing
the body to retain water and electrolytes.
Dermis
Beneath the epidermis is the dermis, which is composed of a dense
fibroelastic connective-tissue stroma containing collagen and
elastic fibers and an extracellular matrix. The dermal layer
contains an extensive vascular and nerve network, special glands,
and appendages that communicate with the overlying epidermis.
it has two parts
a. Papillary dermis
b. Reticular dermis
Subcutaneous tissue -
The third layer of skin is subcutaneous tissue, which is composed
primarily of areolar and fatty connective tissue
Pathophysiology of burns -
1. Burn causes heat coagulation necrosis of skin and subcutaneous tissue which releases vasoactive peptides
that causes alteration of capillary permeability, which causes loss of intravascular fluid and leads to Severe
hypovolemia.
2. Due to decreased myocardial fucntion cardiac output also decreases.
3. Decreased cardiac outflow and Poor circulation leads to decrease GFR which cause oliguria and Renal failure.
4. Loos of Skin barrier and decreased function of immune system leads to increased infection rate and Sepsis.
5. Shock - Tissue destruction results in increased capillary permeability with profound egress of fluid from the
intravascular space to the tissues adjacent to the burn wound. Inordinate amounts of fluid are lost by evaporation
from the damaged surface that is no longer able to retain water. This increase in capillary permeability, coupled with
evaporative water loss, causes hypovolemic shock.