Why are Burns a Hot Topic?
The skin is the protective outer surface of the body. Its outer layer is the epidermis, comprising several layers of epithelial cells arranged like shingles on a roof. Its inner layer is the dermis, which contains many types of nerves that sense touch, pain, heat, and cold. Healthy skin renews itself and helps keep body fluids in and unwanted bacteria out. When burns injure the skin, they upset these processes. All burns result in skin cell injury. The most serious burns can result in death. Did You Know? The U.S. National Institute of General Medical Sciences reports that there are more than 2 million burn injuries requiring medical attention each year. Among people with burn injuries: • 70,000 require hospitalization • 20,000 require treatment in special burn units • 10,000 die of burn-related infections • burn research and burn treatments are improving survival rates even among people with burns covering more than 90% of their bodies.
