A simple algebraic model to predict burn depth and injury

A numerical model has been used to predict the depth of burns which result when human skin is exposed to high-temperature water. The model included a multi-layer facsimile of skin tissue (epidermal, dermal, subcutaneous fat, and muscle). The investigation covered a wide range of temperatures and exposure times. For lower temperatures and shorter exposure times, the model correctly predicts minimal burn injury while for higher temperatures and longer exposure durations, the burn extent is found to extend throughout the epidermal and dermal layers. Based on the results from the simulations, a simple approximating function was developed that allows medical practitioners to quickly and accurately determine the depth of injury. This tool will improve prognosis and enable more appropriate care to be delivered to patients. The approximating function was compared with data from the literature and was found to be in good agreement. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.