b'Burns and ScaldsChapterBurn injury occurs from heat, electricity, extreme cold, suns rays (radiation) various chemicals and corrosive substances. Scald injury occurs from hot liquids (hot fat, hot water in a bath or kettle) and steam. Burns can cause serious damage to the airways, underlying tissues and nerves. Hot toxic gases given off by burning materials also cause associated breathing problems and eye injury.Minor burns and scalds are commonly due to domestic accidents such as touching a hotstove or spilling hot coffee or water onto the skin. Most minor burns will heal quickly and naturally after a few days. However, you should always seek medical advice if you are unsure or concerned about the severity of the burn injury. When the skin is burned, the small blood vessels within the skin leak fluid called plasma. This fluid may leak through the skin surface or accumulate in the tissue spaces to form blisters. Where a large surface area has been burned, leakage of fluid can result in a significant drop in blood volume and loss of blood proteins. This condition leads to shock. The accumulated fluid results in swelling of the tissues causing restriction in the limbs. This can be very dangerous where a limb may be constricted by footwear, clothing or even jewellery such as rings, watches and bracelets.A Rule of 9s is a concept used to estimate the surface area of a burn. The size of the patients palm equals about 1% of the body surface area and this can also be used as a measure if you are not sure.116 Burns and Scalds'