Burns

Burns can be quite minor, or serious enough to be life-threatening. Because of this, treatment for burn care varies widely. Appropriate diagnosis and prompt treatment of burns is critical to control and minimize burn damage.

At The University of Kansas Health System, we specialize in advanced burn and wound care at the Gene and Barbara Burnett Burn Center. Our team of specialists offers the best treatments to create a customized burn treatment plan that’s tailored to your individual needs. We also host a monthly support group for burn survivors, providing a therapeutic environment that helps you feel connected and supported throughout your recovery.

What are burns?

Burns occur when body tissues are damaged due to heat, including electrical exposure. Exposure to certain chemicals can also result in a burn. Some burns are minor enough to be treated at home with over-the-counter remedies. Burns that are more serious need prompt attention from burn specialists. Severe burns can require specialized inpatient care at a dedicated burn center.

We offer a variety of appointment types. Learn more or call 913-588-1227 to schedule now.

Types of burns

Burns are classified by the depth of the skin damage:

First-degree burns only affect the outermost layer of skin, called the epidermis. These burns are minor, with some redness and mild pain.

Second-degree burns affect the epidermis and the dermis (the second layer of skin). Redness and swelling are usually present, and blisters may develop. Scarring can occur after a second-degree burn, and pain is more intense. Second-degree burns can be classified as either superficial or deep.

Third-degree burns extend all the way through both layers of skin to the fatty layer below. A third-degree burn can look black, brown or white with leathery-looking skin. In addition to burning the skin, third-degree burns can cause nerve damage, which can result in numbness rather than pain.

Burn symptoms and risks

Burn symptoms vary depending on what degree the burn is, but generally include:

Blisters
Peeling skin
Red, white or charred skin
Swelling

Pain can also be a symptom of burns, but it’s important to remember that the most serious type of burn may actually be painless due to nerve damage. Because of this, pain itself should not be used as an indicator for how severe the burn damage is, as third-degree burns often hurt less than second-degree burns. A serious burn can also cause shock, so shock symptoms may be seen alongside burn symptoms.

Burn prevention is the most important factor in lowering the risk of burn injury. The American Burn Association recommends making simple behavioral and environmental changes to reduce exposure risks, such as following safe cooking tips and checking smoke detectors regularly.

Burn diagnosis and screening

Your doctor will perform a burn evaluation to decide on the best treatment plan for your burn. During a burn evaluation, your doctor will examine the burn injury to determine the depth of the burn.

Another factor your doctor will look at is the total percentage of your body that’s been burned. This calculation is known as total body surface area (TBSA). TBSA is used to decide whether to transfer your treatment to a burn center, as well as for making specific treatment recommendations.

Burn treatment

Treatment for burn injuries varies depending on the type of burn as well as the severity and total body surface area affected. Burn treatments may be inpatient or outpatient.

Inpatient burn treatments
Outpatient burn treatments

Inpatient burn treatments are provided at a dedicated burn center. A burn center typically offers multiple options for treating severe burns, which can take several weeks or more of full-time care to heal completely.

Treatment options for burns can include:

Compression therapy for scars
Education, information and support for burn survivors and their families
Hydrotherapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Ongoing support groups and wellness programs
Ostomy care
Pain management
Rehabilitation therapy
Skin grafts
Surgery, including scar revision and plastic surgery

Outpatient burn treatments are recommended for less serious burns and can often be managed at home. Simple first aid techniques, like applying burn ointment and keeping the area covered, may be all that’s needed to treat very minor burns. More serious burns may be treated on an outpatient basis that requires follow-up care with a physician throughout the healing process.

Why choose us for burn treatment

Specialists at The University of Kansas Health System provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care to adults and children with complex burns and wounds. In addition, we treat skin injuries and conditions such as frostbite, severe dermatitis and abrasions. You’ll receive a continuum of advanced care that includes burn wellness programs and a burn survivor support group.

Our multidisciplinary burn care team comprises board-certified plastic surgeons, general surgeons, internal medicine specialists, dermatologists, nurses, physical therapists and nutritionists, among other medical professionals. We collaborate in research to develop advanced techniques to improve burn care for burn survivors now and in the future.

Advanced trauma care

We are the region's most experienced nationally verified Level I Trauma Center, designated by the American College of Surgeons. This distinction recognizes our ability to provide the highest possible standard of care to critically injured patients.

Our trauma center