Revista de enfermería (Barcelona, Spain)
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Burn injuries are a major public health problem worldwide, because they are very common. They are usually produced in domestic or work environments, although it is not unusual that they might be caused by traffic accidents or intentionally (self-injured or assaults on the people). ⋯ The aim of this chapter is to explain some general aspects about the aetiology and pathology of burn injuries and their systemic effects, because the medical and nursing staff should know these aspects to make an adequate initial valuation. They should recognize the aetiology of the burn, its depth and area, its severity and its systemic complications to act properly in the initial phase of the treatment, because these preliminary actions are essential in the prognosis and evolution of the burns.