Manejo Multidisciplinar de Pacientes Queimados: Da Urgência à Reabilitação

Abstract

Burns are traumatic injuries to organic tissues caused by thermal, chemical, electrical or radioactive agents, with thermal burns being the most common in Brazil. It is estimated that the country records around 1 million cases per year, with 200,000 emergency room visits and 40,000 hospitalizations. Thermal burns are classified into degrees: first-degree burns affect only the epidermis and are not life-threatening; second-degree burns affect only the dermis and are painful; and third-degree burns affect all layers of the skin and are painless because they destroy nerve endings. There are also fourth-degree burns, with carbonization and damage to deep tissues. Chemical burns, caused by acids or alkalis, and electrical burns, classified by voltage, are also common, with the latter being potentially serious, with the risk of extensive internal injuries and respiratory complications. Initial treatment requires interruption of the burn, careful removal of clothing, maintenance of the airway and oxygen therapy in case of smoke inhalation. The systemic response may involve respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic and immunological changes, making multidisciplinary care essential. Early physiotherapy rehabilitation helps to avoid functional sequelae, while nursing plays a fundamental role in analgesia, dressings and preventing infections. Techniques such as the use of silver sulfadiazine, negative pressure therapy and dressings with tilapia skin — rich in type I collagen, similar to human skin — have shown good results in healing. Despite the advances, challenges such as training professionals and the psychological impact on patients persist. Therefore, it is essential to guarantee physical, emotional and social support to burn victims, in addition to promoting first aid education for the population, avoiding inappropriate practices that aggravate injuries.