Burns: Most Effective Dietary Supplements

A burn is an injury to the skin or other organic tissue caused by heat, radiation, electricity, friction, or contact with chemicals. Thermal burns are the most common and occur when the skin comes into contact with a significant heat source such as boiling liquids or flames.

Types of Burns

Burns are classified based on their severity: First-degree burns: These are superficial, resulting in skin redness, and may sometimes cause blistering. These burns generally heal within a few days without scarring. Second-degree burns: These affect the superficial layer of the skin and the underlying layer. These burns are painful and can cause significant blistering, often requiring medical consultation. Third-degree burns: The most severe, they affect all layers of the skin, and sometimes even the underlying tissues. They require urgent medical attention, and hospitalization may be necessary to limit complications.

Prognosis

The severity of burns depends on several factors, including the patient's age, the extent of the affected area, and the presence of internal burns such as those caused by smoke inhalation. Elderly people and young children are particularly vulnerable, as are those who have suffered extensive burn areas. In children, burns account for about 3 to 8% of domestic accidents, often caused by hot liquids. While superficial burns heal without significant scars, more severe burns can lead to physical and psychological sequelae that last long after the accident. Superficial burns typically heal in less than 15 days without leaving sequelae. In contrast, deep burns that do not heal quickly require surgical intervention within three weeks of the accident to avoid permanent scarring or other complications.

Treatment

The treatment of burns is based on two fundamental principles: Restoration of hydro-electrolyte balance: Burns can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte loss, causing dehydration. It is therefore essential to rehydrate the patient and correct electrolyte imbalances to stabilize the general condition. Protection and healing of burned areas: The affected areas need to be treated to prevent infections and promote healing. This includes the application of appropriate dressings, and in severe cases, a skin graft may be necessary to cover wounds. Deep or extensive burns often require surgical intervention to ensure proper healing. Certain trace elements can be used to optimize healing and reduce infection risks. These treatments are often administered orally and help improve the repair of damaged tissues. Zinc (30 mg/day) Silicon (25 mg/day) Copper (2 to 3 mg/day) Selenium (100 to 600 µg/day) The duration of treatment varies between one week and one month, depending on the severity of the lesions.