Burns: the 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 according to their severity: • First-degree burns: They are superficial, result in redness of the skin, and can sometimes cause blisters. These burns usually heal within a few days without scarring. • Second-degree burns: They affect the outer layer of the skin and the underlying layer. These burns are painful and can cause significant blisters, often requiring medical attention. • Third-degree burns: The most serious type, they affect all layers of the skin and sometimes even the underlying tissues. They require urgent medical care, 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. Older adults and young children are particularly vulnerable, as are those who have suffered burns over a large area. In children, burns account for about 3 to 8% of household accidents, often caused by hot liquids. While superficial burns heal without significant scarring, more severe burns can cause physical and psychological after-effects that last long after the accident. Superficial burns usually heal in less than 15 days without leaving after-effects. In contrast, deep burns, which do not heal quickly, require surgical intervention within three weeks of the accident to prevent permanent scarring or other complications.

Treatment

The treatment of burns is based on two fundamental principles: • Restoration of fluid and electrolyte balance: Burns can cause a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes, which can lead to 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 must be treated to prevent infection and promote healing. This includes the application of appropriate dressings, and in severe cases, a skin graft may be necessary to cover the wounds. Deep or extensive burns often require surgery to ensure proper healing. Certain trace elements can be used to optimize healing and reduce the risk of infection. These treatments are often given 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 injuries.