Types &Symptoms

TYPES 

Doctors will identify the burn according to the degree of the injury and the depth of the burn itself:

• Burns on the top layer of the skin, or the epidermis, is called a first-degree burn
• Burns on the second layer of the skin, or the dermis, is known as a second-degree burn
• Burns on the third layer of the skin, or subcutaneous tissue, is referred to as a third-degree burn

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of chemical burns can vary depending on how the burn has occurred. A burn that is caused by a chemical you swallowed will cause various symptoms than burns that happen on your skin.

The common symptoms accompanied by chemical burns include:

• Black colored skin, or dead skin which is usually caused by chemical burns from acid
• Redness or burning sensation in the affected area
• Feeling of numbness or pain in the affected area
• Either loss of vision or changes in vision if ever chemicals have come into contact with the eyes

However, the following symptoms listed below may occur if you’ve swallowed a chemical:

• Palpitations
• Headache
• Low blood pressure
• Cardiac arrestor heart attack
• Shortness of breathing
• Cough
• Seizures
• Heart failure
• Dizziness
• The weakening of the muscles

TYPES

Other common types of leg ulcer include:

• Arterial leg ulcers
• Diabetic leg ulcers
• Malignant leg ulcers
• Traumatic leg ulcers
• Vasculitic leg ulcers

Ulcers in the foot are usually caused by diabetes.

SYMPTOMS

Itching, pain, and swelling in the affected leg are characteristic symptoms of a venous leg ulcer.

Discoloration, hardening of the skin around the ulcer, and presence of a foul-smelling discharge may also be present when you have a venous leg ulcer.

If you have a venous leg ulcer, you may exhibit the following conditions:

• discoloration and darkening of the skin around the ulcer
• swollen ankles
• red, flaky, scaly and itchy skin on your legs
• swollen and enlarged veins on your legs
• hardened skin around the ulcer, which may make your leg feel hard
• a heavy feeling in your legs
• an unpleasant and foul-smelling discharge from the ulcer
• aching or swelling in your legs

Signs of an infection

Opportunistic pathogens could cause secondary bacterial infections due to the ulcer. 

Symptoms of an infected leg ulcer may include:

• a green or unpleasant discharge coming from the ulcer
• fever
• redness and swelling of the skin around the ulcer
• worsening pain
• an unpleasant smell coming from the ulcer

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will make a diagnosis based on the following factors. These will include:

• The degree of pain on the affected area
• The range of damage to the area
• How deep is the burn
• Shows possible signs of infection
• Depending on the size of swelling that is present

TREATMENT

First aid should be given to chemical burn patients as soon as possible. Your doctor may use the following alternatives to treat your burn depending on its severity:

• Anti-itch treatment
• Antibiotic
• Debridement
• Skin grafting
• Intravenous (IV) fluids

After severe burns

You will need to undergo burn rehabilitation if you’re severely affected. This kind of rehabilitation may include treatments like:

• Pain management
• Cosmetic surgery
• Occupational therapy
• Skin replacement
• Counseling
• Patient education