[Sequelae in patients with severe burns].

Nowadays, the main aim with severe burned patients is the prevention and treatment of the complications associated to burn injuries, because the mortality caused by them has significantly declined due to the improvements in the treatments used. This fact has changed the focus of the care from a biomedical model which pay attention to the physical aspects, to other based on the holistic care of the patient in which physical, psychological and social aspects are considered. To minimize the development of these adverse complications and to prevent their severity in long term, it is essential to initiate an early rehabilitation at hospital and follow these patients by the Primary Care team when they return home.

[Therapeutic guide to local care of burn injuries].

There is a large variety of topical application substances in the market for burnt areas treatment. This fact, far from being an advantage, turns into a serious problem when nursing staff has to choose the most adequate for each case. We think that, apart from a thorough knowledge of aspects such as indications and contraindications, application methods, combination with other substances and possible interactions, the formulation of a series of practical criteria can be of great help in order to select the right topical substance for the objectives pursued.

[Local nursing care in burn injuries].

Burn injuries are tissue injuries originated as a result of a physical or chemical trauma. They can cause from a mild skin affectation to the total destruction of the affected tissues, depending on various levels of severity. Moreover, if the affected body surface is very large, patient life can be seriously compromised.

[What do we need to know about the burn injuries? Pathophysiology, aetiology and effects].

Burn injuries are a major public health problem worldwide, because they are very common. They are usually produced in domestic or work environments, although it is not unusual that they might be caused by traffic accidents or intentionally (self-injured or assaults on the people). These injuries do not attract much attention but if they are not treated properly, they can lead to serious systemic complications which can sometimes cause the death of the patient.