Thermal (Heat or Fire) Burns
- Thermal Burns Overview
- Thermal Burns Causes
- Thermal Burns Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Thermal Burns Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
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Thermal Burns Overview
From simple sunburn on vacation to touching a hot pot on a stove, many of us have experienced minor burns at one time or another. Thermal burn injuries are very common. Annually, 500,000 people receive medical treatment for burn injuries. Children are particularly at risk due to accidental burns.
The type of burn and the severity of the burn depend on the number of layers of skin affected. Most burns are mild, but some may be severe. Most importantly, 75% of burns are estimated to be preventable.
Next: Thermal Burns Causes »
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Thermal Burns (Heat or Fire)
Tetanus Overview
Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by contamination of wounds from bacteria that live in the soil. The causative bacterium Clostridium tetani is a hardy organism capable of living many years in the soil in a form called a spore. The bacterium was first isolated in 1899 by S. Kitasato while he was working with R. Koch in Germany. Kitasato also found the toxin responsible for tetanus and developed the first protective vaccine against the disease.
Tetanus occurs when a wound becomes contaminated with bacterial spores. Infection follows when spores become activated and develop into gram-positive bacteria that multiply and produce a very powerful toxin (poison) that affects the muscles. Tetanus spores are found throughout the environment, usually in soil, dust, and animal waste. The usual locations for the bacteria to enter your body are puncture wounds, such as those caused by rusty nails, splinters, or insect bites. Burns, any bre...
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Burns, Thermal »
Burn injuries account for an estimated 700,000 annual emergency department (ED) visits per year.
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