What does ‘circumferential burns’ refer to?

Circumferential burns refer to burns that encircle a limb or torso, indicating that the burn injury wraps around the affected area completely. These types of burns can create serious complications because they may lead to constriction of tissues and impede blood flow. When burned tissue forms a hardened layer, it can act like a tourniquet, potentially resulting in necrosis if not addressed timely.

Understanding the severity and implications of circumferential burns is crucial for effective treatment and intervention. They require careful monitoring and may necessitate surgical intervention, such as escharotomy, to relieve pressure and restore circulation. This distinguishes circumferential burns from other types, such as superficial burns, which do not encompass the full thickness of the tissue and are typically less serious in terms of systemic effects.