Flash Burn of Skin
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
A flash burn is caused by an explosion of natural gas, propane, gasoline, or other flammable liquid. Any unprotected part of your skin that is exposed to the explosion can get burned. The severity of your burn depends on how long your skin was exposed to heat from the explosion. The burn can be a first degree or second degree burn.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
A Foley catheter
is a tube put into your bladder to drain urine into a bag. Keep the bag below your waist. This will prevent urine from flowing back into your bladder and causing an infection or other problems. Also, keep the tube free of kinks so the urine will drain properly. Do not pull on the catheter. This can cause pain and bleeding, and may cause the catheter to come out.
Intake and output:
Healthcare providers may keep track of the amount of liquid you are getting. They also may need to know how much you are urinating. Ask healthcare providers if they need to measure or collect your urine.
Medicines:
- Pain medicine may be given. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you ask for more medicine.
- Ointments that prevent infection and help your burn heal may be placed on your skin or bandage.
- Anti-itch medicine may be given to help decrease irritation and itching. This medicine may be given as a cream, pill, injection, or through your IV.
Blood or urine tests
may be used to check your electrolyte (body salts) levels. They may also give information about your overall health.
Treatment:
- Debridement may be done 1 or 2 times each day. Healthcare providers remove damaged tissue to prevent infection, decrease inflammation, and improve healing.
- IV fluids may be given if your burns cover a large area of your body. You may receive liquids through a tube that is placed in your vein to treat your dehydration. The liquids may also include electrolytes, such as potassium.
Physical therapy
may be needed if the skin over a joint is burned. A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.
RISKS:
You may get an infection in the burn area. You may have scarring after your burn heals. Scarring over joints can cause loss of motion. You may lose body fluids if your burn covers a large area of your body. This could lead to dehydration. You may need surgery to remove skin or scar tissue.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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