Mr. Eisner, age 43, sustained severe burns while welding a gasoline tank that he
ID: 81906 • Letter: M
Question
Mr. Eisner, age 43, sustained severe burns while welding a gasoline tank that he had removed from a truck. He had full-thickness burns on his face and bald head and on both of his arms and hands-as well as a mixture of superficial and deep partial-thickness burns on his anterior trunk. His genital area, lower extremities, and posterior body were not burned. After assessment and emergency stabilization, Mr. Eisner was transported to a regional burn center for care. Which burn areas have the greatest risk for scarring? Why?Explanation / Answer
The area with full thickness burns I.e. face and bald head will have greatest risk of scaring. These area have a less tissue thickness over them and hence they are more prone to have scars. The abdominal tissue is also at a risk but less than facial tissue. The other superficial and deep partial thickness burns heal without scaring but full thickness burns always heal with scaring.