Minor burns cause swelling and pain. While the heat from a small appliance accident or too much time in the sun can be bothersome, severe burns can be fatal. Between 3,000 and 4,000 people in the United States die from burns every year, according to Merck. Symptoms associated with these burns include blistering, dehydration and shock.
Blistering and Fluid
First-degree burns affect the top layers of the skin, causing minimal damage including redness and swelling. The affected areas whiten when touched. However, these burns do not cause blistering. While the pain may be extreme, first-degree burns are the mildest of burns. Second-degree burns penetrate deeper, causing the skin to become red, swollen and blistered. The blisters may fill with clear fluid, oozing and seeping. Second- and third-degree burns are considered severe, requiring more time to heal than minor first-degree burns.
Contracture
While third-degree burns may not cause pain, due to nerve damage, other complications can exist. A third-degree burn may appear leathery and white, black or bright red in color. There is no blanching, and hair growing on the affected areas is easily pulled from the roots. These deep burns may cause scar tissue to form on the skin, which shrinks as it heals, resulting in contracture (shortening of muscles) around the limbs. Movement becomes difficult with contracture, requiring therapy and careful range of motion to stretch the joints and regain mobility. Exercises can be performed within days following the injury. In addition, splints should be worn to further protect the joints from contracture.
Dehydration
Severe burns can cause dehydration, as fluid leaks from the blood to the burned tissue. This may happen when burns are widespread, covering large areas of the body. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, sunken eyes, lethargy and changes in urine, including dark urine or infrequent urination. A medical examination may yield results such as low blood pressure, rapid pulse and shock.
Shock
Shock is a dangerous complication related to severe burns. Medical treatment typically begins with large doses of fluids, given intravenously. Shock results froms low blood pressure that causes the body's cells to lose blood and oxygen supply. If these cells are not replenished, organs in the body may become damaged. If enough damage occurs, death may result.
