Explain the Complications of Burns?

Most minor burns are superficial and do not cause complications. However, deep second-degree and third-degree burns swell and take more time to heal. In addition, deeper burns can form a scar tissue. This scar tissue shrinks (contracts) as it heals. If the scarring occurs at a joint, the resulting contracture may restrict movement. Severe burns can result in serious complications due to extensive fluid loss and tissue damage. Complications from severe burns may take hours to develop. The longer the complication is present, the more severe are the problems it tends to cause.

Young children and older adults tend to be more seriously affected by complications than other age groups. Dehydration eventually develops in people with widespread burns, because fluid seeps from the blood to the burned tissues. Shock develops if dehydration is severe. Destruction of muscle tissue occurs in deep third-degree bums. The muscle tissue releases myoglobin, one of the muscle's proteins, into the blood. If present in high concentrations, myoglobin harms the kidneys. Thick, crusty surfaces (eschars) are produced by deep third-degree burns. Eschars (a dry scab) can become too tight, cutting off blood supply to healthy tissues or impairing breathing.