Burn Terminology

Autograft : A skin graft that is 'harvested' from an undamaged area of the patient and transplanted to the burned area

Allograft : A biological dressing used as a covering for a burned area. It is cadaver skin (also called hemograft)

Collagen : Insoluble fibrous protein of vertebrates that is the main component of the fibrils of connective tissue.

Debridement : The surgical removal of burned flesh.

Dermatome : A device used to slice tissue from donor sites to be grafted onto burned areas.

Dermis : The vascular inner mesodermic layer of skin. The epidermis is the outer layer of skin and the dermis is underneath that.

First Degree Burn : A mild burn that feels hot, hurts, and reddens. It does not exhibit blistering or charring of tissue.

Graft : To transplant or implant tissue

Hydrotherapy : The therapeutic use of water

Hypermetabolic : Expanding energy and using nutrients at an accelerated pace

Isograft : Homograft between genetically identical or nearly identical individuals

Necrosis : The death of cells or tissues

Occupational Therapy : Therapy that focuses on activities of daily living, such as dressing, eating, bathing, etc.

Physical Therapy : Treatment of injury by physical or mechanical means in order to promote recovery

Pressure Garments : Tight-fitting elastic garments worn to reduce scarring

Second Degree Burn : A burn that produces painful blisters and some superficial destruction of the dermis beneath the burn

Silver Nitrate : A clear compound used as an antiseptic

Skin Graft : A piece of body tissue that is surgically removed and then transplanted or implanted to replace a damaged part or compensate for a defect

Third Degree Burn : A severe burn that destroys the epidermis, and dermis and sometimes other tissue as well

Transfusion : The transfer of fluid into a vein. Often used to give blood to a patient

Xenograft : Grafts taken from a donor of one species and grafted onto another species