Burns and Scalds

🧭 When to suspect

Suspect a significant burn when a patient presents with skin damage after exposure to a thermal (flame or hot contact), scald (hot liquid or steam), chemical, electrical or radiation source. The history of the event – what, how hot, how long, and where – drives the two questions that change management most: is there an inhalation injury, and (in a child or vulnerable adult) is the injury non-accidental?

Most burns seen in primary care are minor and superficial, but depth and total body surface area (TBSA) are easily underestimated at first contact, and a burn continues to evolve over the first 24–72 hours. Assess every burn for depth, size, site and mechanism, then decide whether it can be managed in the community or needs referral.

Source: British Burn Association · National Network for Burn Care