When a human body comes in contact with fire or chemicals or loose electric live wires, burns may occur. These burns blacken and disfigure the skin and affect the underlying tissues, muscles and other parts of the body. This may result in a contracture, which is the permanent tightening of the skin causing loss of mobility, possible damage or degeneration of nerves. Inelastic fibrous tissues may replace the normal elastic connective tissue, which are resistant to stretching and this prevents the normal movements of those parts of the body that are affected. The skin becomes mottled, has hard connective tissue and scarring after the burn heals.
Burns of different parts of the body leading to burn contractures need different types of treatment. Some simple burn cases may be healed by external medication and antibiotics while others may need extensive medical intervention. Burns caused on the joints may result in shortening of the muscles of the joints, leading to physical deformity and difficulty in normal activities. Not every burn results in burn contracture but when the burn wound is left untreated or exposed to dust and dirt, the chances of a burn contracture increases.
Open fire places, fires, accidents, open cooking facilities, matchboxes, and other such burn causing things cause this problem especially among small children who are not aware of the dangers. Houses with small children should child proof the house to avoid accidents and burns. Petrol or kerosene may catch fire and cause burns to those who come in contact with it. Accidents may also lead to burns. Sometimes forest fires or those caused by lightning result in extensive damage to man, beast and property. Sudden explosions may also lead to skin burns. If such wounds are caused and are not treated or treated improperly, exposed to dirt and dust then this will result in burn contractures.
Some strong acids and alkalis and other chemicals may cause burn injuries when the skin comes in contact with them. This may be due to an accident or spilling of the chemical. Electric burns also result in loss of mobility of that part of the organ that has come in contact with it. Surgery, skin transplants and physiotherapy are used to cure burn contractures. The burnt tissue is surgically cut and replaced by healthy skin from another part of the body. Or skin is taken from a donor after matching the skin type. Even after surgery, when the tissues heal, physiotherapy may be necessary to get the body into as normal condition as possible. |
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