ABSTRACT
Small bums and superficial burns are the most common injuries in patients admitted to burn centers around the world. In most centers, they account for more than 80-90% of all admissions. Thanks to prevention programs and the increasing awareness of society regarding burn injuries, the incidence of massive, life-threatening burns is declining. Advances in critical care and wound closure have led to improved mortality. Many research efforts and passion have been devoted to the care of major burns, which, no doubt, remains a model for the study of deranged physiology, cytokine production, metabolism, immune response, and infection. Few efforts have been carried out in the minor burn arena despite these injuries representing more than 80% of admissions. Many of them, however, represent major burns according to the American Burn Association criteria because they usually are deep bums of hands, face, feet, perineum, or major joints. Quality of life and improved outcomes are now more than ever an issue in modem societies, and these can only be achieved with excellence in burn care. Although surgery is the central treatment of minor deep burns, all members of the burn team are necessary to provide the best outcome and reintegration of patients into society. Discharge planning has to be started from admission, and a full functioning outpatient department is extremely important to manage these patients in the best possible way.
