Thermal Burns

Thermal burns are very common they can range from sun burn to touching a hot item such as a stove.  Most burns are mild but some can be very severe.  Thermal burns can be from chemicals, radiation exposure, electrical, flame, scalding (liquid or steam) and contact such as a hot pot or pan that has been exposed to very high temperatures.  The skin is made up of the three following layers: epidermis (outer layer), dermis, and the subcutaneous tissue.  Severity and type of burn depends on the number of layers affected.  Burns are typically described on their thickness (superficial, partial, and full).  More than 2 million burn injuries require medical attention per year in the US.  Out of those 2 million incidents, 14,000 end in death.  Approximately 75,000 burn victims require hospitalization each year, 25,000 of those remain hospitalized for 2 months or longer.  Infection remains the overall factor of death caused by thermal burns. 

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been shown to aid in the healing process, in conjunction with a comprehensive program of thermal burns care.  Hyperbaric therapy can greatly   morbidity and mortality, reduce length of hospital stay, and lesson the need for surgery. These factors can greatly reduce the medical expense of having been effected by thermal burns.