T23.0

Clinical Causes: Contact with hot objects, such as hot surfaces, liquids, or fires Exposure to chemicals that cause burns on the skin Electrical burns from contact with live wires Sunburn that affects the skin over the wrist and hand Friction burns from rubbing or scraping Radiation exposure, including UV or other types of radiation

Key Symptoms: Pain or tenderness in the affected area Redness and inflammation of the skin Swelling around the wrist and hand Blister formation (in blistering burns) Skin peeling or peeling of dead tissue Possible numbness or decreased sensation Limited movement or stiffness In severe cases, open wounds or exposed tissue

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis involves a physical examination by a healthcare professional to assess the extent and depth of the burn. The clinician will observe the skin's appearance, evaluate pain levels, check for blistering or tissue damage, and may test sensation and movement. In some cases, additional imaging such as X-rays might be performed if there is suspicion of underlying injury to bones or joints.

Treatment Protocols: Treatment strategies depend on the severity of the burn but generally include: - **Initial care:** Cooling the burn with running water or cool compresses to reduce heat and pain. - **Cleaning wounds:** Gently cleaning the area to prevent infection. - **Protection:** Covering the burn with sterile dressings to keep the area clean. - **Pain management:** Using over-the-counter pain relievers or as prescribed. - **Hydration and nutrition:** Supporting healing with proper hydration and nutrition. - **Advanced care:** Severe burns may require wound debridement, skin grafts, or surgical intervention. - **Follow-up:** Monitoring for signs of infection, scarring, or functional impairment, and rehabilitative therapies like physical or occupational therapy to restore movement. In all cases, management aims to promote healing, prevent complications, and restore function while minimizing scarring.