What are potential complications arising from severe burns?

Severe burns can lead to a variety of serious complications, and infection and compartment syndrome are particularly relevant in this context.

Infection is a major concern because burns compromise the skin's natural barrier, increasing the risk of pathogens entering the body. The more extensive the burn, especially when it exceeds a certain percentage of total body surface area, the greater the risk of systemic infection. Burn wounds are also susceptible to colonization by bacteria, which can progress to deeper tissue infections such as cellulitis or sepsis, making timely and appropriate wound management critical.

Compartment syndrome can occur in cases of severe burns due to the inflammatory response and the swelling that typically follows the injury. This swelling can elevate intracompartmental pressures in the muscles, especially in areas where fascia limits expansion. If compartment syndrome is not recognized and treated promptly, it can lead to irreversible muscle and nerve damage due to compromised blood flow in the affected limb.

In contrast, while high blood pressure, hypoglycemia, and chronic headaches may occur in various medical conditions, they are not direct complications commonly associated with severe burns. High blood pressure can result from pain or stress but is not a usual consequence of burns themselves. Hypoglycemia is typically related to insufficient glucose intake or insulin administration rather