Muffler
And Tail Pipe Burns |
| Self-Help Supplies |
All of the supplies needed or necessary that
are mentioned in our rehab guidelines and rehab exercising self-help
programs are available in our Bookstore.
For additional information of burn management see
Rehab Guidelines
and Rehab Exercising. |
| Burns |
Muffler and tail pipe burns are common place
at the race track. And the most common burn site is the right
leg. Sometimes muffler burns appear on the riders arms, chest,
or back. Their sizes generally ranges from approximately 1"
in diameter to approximately 4" in diameter. Their severity
also ranges from mild (Grade 1) to severe (Grade 3). Immediate
and correct treatment of burns, not only allow the area to heal
faster and with less scarring, but most of the time has allowed
the rider to continue that day’s raci41.
I hate to being kept in the dark because I don’t have
the background education to know what is going on or what action
to take. So, before we discuss trackside treatment let’s
first provide you with that necessary background knowledge that
will bring you a better understanding of what is going on and
what actions to take.
Burns occur when heat or heated objects come in contact with
and cause injury to the skin or other biological tissues. Biological
tissue, such as skin, is destroyed above 113 F. There are many
different causative agents that can burns such as; wet (steam
or hot liquid) and dry heat, electrical, chemical (acid or base),
sun, wind, and fire. Chemical burns generally cause erosion
of the tissue rather than by excessive temperature. And, although
gasoline can burn the skin as it evaporates, the most common
MX type of burn occurs when a rider comes in contact with the
bike’s muffler and tail pipe system (thermal burn).
Thermal burns are caused by exposure to intense heat and generally
are classified with a rating system of six increasing degrees.
The grading rating system considers the degree of skin and deeper
tissue damage. The six degrees of severity increase numerical
from mild to very severe and include the following (Diagram
#1) grading scale;
1. Grade 1 = mild injury to skin (Epidermis) (redness)
2. Grade 2 = moderate injury to skin (The Upper Dermis) (blistering)
3. Grade 3 = severe injury to skin (The Lower Dermis)
4. Grade 4 = skin and underlying subcutaneous connective tissue
layer have been destroyed
5. Grade 5 = skin, subcutaneous layer, & underlying muscles
have
been destroyed
6. Grade 6 = skin, subcutaneous layer, muscle, & supporting
bone
tissue have been
With the above grading system guidelines in mind let's look
at an actual tail pipe burn on the 19 year old rider.
 
Date of Injury 08-19-01
Date pf pictures 08-21-01
Note the outline of the burn resembles the tail pipe that caused
the burn. It starts on the lower left side and works upward
along the spine to between the shoulder blades. These
burns are grade two, three, and four tail pipe burns.
These two pictures above are of the tail pipe burn before he
started his home rehab program. The surgeons wanted to
perform plastic surgery on the above burns.
These next pictures below are eight days later following his
home rehab program very closely. And he was able to avoid
surgery.
  
Pictures taken 08-29-01 following 8 days
of treatment
Treatments
for this burn
Initial self-administered treatment was North Pole Surfaces
of both theN-1 & N-2 ceramic magnetics with castor oil packs
and Essential Oils combination. Returning from the hospital
he started Diapulse (setting 3 and 300) treatments with castor
oil packs and Essential Oils combinations. For more information
on burns and how the below four treatment modes can help click
on their hyperlinks:
1. Ceramic Magnetic
2. Diapulse
3. Castor Oil Packs
4. Essential Oils
5. Scar Care Treatment Lotion
The anatomical cross section of skin (Diagram #3) below illustrates
the different layers and the associated tissues found lying
deeper. The deeper tissues include; the subcutaneous fatty tissue,
muscle tissue, and bone tissue.
Diagram #3
Next, let’s discuss the burn grading system and the tissue
Grading System For Thermal Burn
1. A Grade I (Mild or First Degree) burn produces
a "Reddening" of the skin only.
2. A Grade 2 (Moderate or Second Degree) burn
produces "Blistering"
medically
called "vecications".
of the top layers of the skin.
3. And a Grade 3 (Severe or Third Degree) is
a "Charring" burn that destroys or causes death (necrosis)
through the entire seven layers of skin. First and Second degree
burns are known as partial skin—thickness burns, and are
the most common seen at the race track. A Third degree burn
is known as a full skin-thickness burn (Dia. #4) and required
hospitalization to heal correctly. Grade 3 degree burns and
above will not heal by them self and will require special hospital
care and a high probability of skin graph.
Diagram #4
Besides the grading system the percent of the total burn coverage
over the body is also a major determining factor. So, let’s
next discuss the percent of total body coverage next.
Percent of Total Body Coverage
Besides the above thermal burn grading system a percent of total
body involvement is also used in determining burn severity.
The greater the percentage of total body burn coverage or involvement
the less your chances for survival. Determining the burn percent
of total body coverage and its severity is very important in
taking the correct action. The amount of skin surface burns
can be calculated quickly by using the "Nine Rule".
Each of the following body areas represents approximately 9%
of the body surface. See diagram #5 below.
Diagram
#5
The Rule Of Nines
Surface Area Burns that effect children
The Child's Age In Years
0
1 5
10
A = 1/2 of Head
9 1/2 8 1/2 6 1/2
5 1/2
B = 1/2 of One Thigh 2 3/4
3 1/4 4
4 1/4
C = 1/2 of One Leg
2 1/2 2 1/2 2 1/2
3
1. the head & neck = 9%
2. each arm = 9%
3. the chest = 9%
4. the abdominal area = 9%
5. the lower back & buttocks = 9%
6. the front of each leg. = 9%
The genital region is regarded as occupying only about 1% of
the body surface. Most of the States today have special Burn
Unit in designated hospitals for the treatment of Grade 2’s,
3’s, and higher and/or burns covering 10% of the body
or more. The percent of total body coverage in adults and children
are shown above in diagram.
Let's take a look at a simulated tail pipe or muffler burn to
the forearm of a rider and an example of what to do to care
for it.
Muffler or Tail pipe Burn to the forearm
of a rider
Cover area with a 2ND SKIN Moist Burn
Pad |
| Immediate Care and Course of
actions |
1. Immerse in cold water or apply a zip lock
bag of ice water
2. Cover entire area with Neosporin, a wet non-stick sterile
pad, or
better yet is a Moist
Burn Pad known as 2ND SKIN® produced by
Spenco Medical Corp.
2ND SKIN®
If you do not have 2ND SKIN you must purchase it through a doctors
office or company who carries their product line. Spenco
Medical Corporation is not a retail supplier so you can call
and ask where you can purchase it. Remember that we carry
2ed Skin in our Bookstore. Spenco's address is as follows:
Spenco Medical Corporation
P.O. Box 2501
Waco, TX 76702
254-772-6000
3. Apply the RICES-S Rule. Let's review:
1. R = Rest (place the injury a state of physiological rest
& stay off
of it)
2. I = Ice (apply cold therapy
to the involved site)
3. I = Immobilization
(movement or motion will worsen an existing
injury)
4. C = Compression (use
a support wrap or elastic ace bandage)
5. E = Elevation (keep injury in a raised position allowing
gravity to
help remove the swelling and edema)
6. S = treat for body’s shifts in electrical energy caused
by the shock
(see below)
S = correctly fit a support product such as splint, crutches,
etc.
4. Apply the North Pole surface of the N-1 ceramic magnets to
the
burned area
Let's review the immediate treatment application for burns.
Because of the limited size of the N-1 and N-2 magnets you are
limited to the surface size of the burn you can successfully
treat. Continue using the North Pole after the pain has been
arrested. After the pain has been arrested by continue use of
the North pole and scabs has formed and no infections are present
place the South pole directly to the burn area to strengthen
and aid the injured tissues repair themselves, using the same
time frame as with the North pole. |
| Treatment |
North Pole Surface Application
In the acute stages of a burn injury place the North Pole surface
directly to the burn area for 30 to 45 minutes twice to three
times a day or as long a necessary to control pain. Treatment
times will vary from 30 to 45 minutes, two to four times per
day, to continuously during the first several days depending
how bad the burn is. If the magnetic field generated by
the two magnets controls or eliminates the pain longer treatment
times are well within normal limits.
Note
Skin Burns are serious and not to be taken lightly. If
the burned area does not make the progress you expect to see
in a normal healing process or if you are in doubt contact your
doctor immediately.
South Pole Surface Application
After several days has or when the pain is arrested with scab
formation and no infection present, begin by placing the South
Pole surface directly to the burn area for 30 to 45 minutes
twice to three times a day until healed.
5. Treat For "Shock"
6. Transport to the hospital |
| Pain And Burns |
| Next, let’s discuss pain and how it
is associated with burns. There is a peculiarity that exists
with the severity of pain and its associated with the degree
of burn. First and Second degree burns are usually very painful
over their entire area as the nerves are not completely destroyed.
In third degree burns the destroyed area includes the nerves
and becomes insensitive to pain, however, this is not to say
that third degree burns are not painful. On the contrary, the
burn may be extremely painful since nerve endings in adjacent
areas are still intact. Now, that we have discussed associated
pain let’s next discuss body required healing times. |
| Healing Times |
Healing times vary from a few days to a few
months according to the grade rating, the total percent of body
coverage, and immediate corrective actions taken by the rider
or his pit crew.
I would bet that if I were to look through your first aid kit
it would not be equipped with the items necessary to treatment
burns. You should also be reminded that any trip to a hospital
Emergency Room (ER) generally cost more than the best completely
equipped first aid kit. My MX first aid kit completely equipment
to handle any rider problems cost approximately $200.00. And
I know that any additional trips to the kit will not cost an
additional $300.00 fee as would be experienced by another visit
to hospital. Doesn’t it just make good common since to
purchase, and carry with you, a complete MX first aid kit. But
I wonder; "How many of you will"? For those of you
who will I would like to list those items needed for handle
and treat burns encountered on the race tack. |
| Burn Treatment Supplies |
The treatment supply list needed for initial
self management burns are;
1. 2nd Skin
2. Neosporin
3. Elastikon tape
4. Large Band-Aids
5. Non—adherent sterile 3" x 4" pads
6. Hair clippers (battery or electric operated)
7. N-1 ceramic magnets
8. Zip Lock baggies
9. Ice and water
10. Blanket for treating shock
Let’s talk about the above list.
1. 2nd SKIN
2nd Skin is man imitation of the body’s skin and is one
of the greatest inventions for treatment of burns in the last
few years. It relieves skin pain on contact, functioning like
a temporary replacement skin and promotes healing. Its additional
uses include relief from abrasions, stings, insect bites, and
poison ivy. The hydrogel pad is 96% sterile water and has the
physical properties very close to that of human skin. It may
be reused several times by placing it in water for 30—60
minutes before being restored in its foil closed bag. I can’t
say enough good things good things about this super product,
it is just unbelievable. Is produced by Spenco Medical Corporation
P.O. Box 2501, Waco, TX 76702. For product information or ordering
call 800-877—3626. 2nd Skin comes in three sizes:
1. Small (1 1/2" x 2") Cat. #47—001
2. Medium (2" x 3") Cat. #47—019
3. Large (3" x 4") Cat. #47—027
And for those of you who now have muffler or tail pipe scars
Spenco carries another great produce that can help you. This
produce is called Silicone Gelsheets. This is a soft silicone
gel sheet that is placed over those sore spots or scars. It
adds flexibility while soothing and providing even pressure
to the involved area. They come 12 (4" x 4") sheets/box.
Cat. #10-512. Great stuff.
2. Neosporin (several tubes)
Neosporin is a first aid antibiotic ointment that helps prevent
infection from manor cuts, scrapes, abrasions, and burns. It
can be purchased at most grocery and drug stores.
3. Elastikon tape is a one way stretch tape that is used to
secure and hold the non-adherent sterile pad, band-aids, or
2nd Skin over the burned area. It is more difficult to find
but start your search at a large sports store first. It also
may be used on the hands while riding to prevent or treat blisters
as well as a compression wrap on bruises.
4. Extra Large Band-Aids are used for the smaller diameter burns
and abrasions as a sterile dressing and, like the Neosporin,
can be purchased at most grocery and drug stores.
5. Non—adherent sterile 3" x 4" pads
Two different types of Non-Stick Pads
This pad is used to cover the cut, abrasion, or burn and unlike
gauze, will not stick to the wound nor produce pain when removing
or changing the daily dressing. This produce may be purchased
at most drug store.
6. Hair Clippers (battery or electrically operated) Hair clippers
may be purchased at stores like Wal-Mart and K—Mart. They
are to be used to remove hair from around the burn site and
where the adhesive tape will be placed. Hair is a major port
of entry and cause of infection in and around cuts, abrasion,
and burns so always remove it. Also, hair being pulled out when
removing the adhesive tape, is painful.
7. Ceramic magnets can be purchased from our bookstore.
For
treatment applications see the chapter
on "Ceramic Magnets".
8. Ice and water should be always available in your ice cooler
located
in your pit are.
9. Zip Lock bags should already be filled and placed in your
ice cooler.
10. A blanket is a very fundamental piece of first aid treating
equipment
as well as for
being used for sleeping while camping at the race
track. |
| Tracks Side Treatment Procedures |
1. Follow the RICES Rule initially
A. Place in Ice water or apply a Zip Lock ice water bag to the
effected
area.
2. When the burn is responding to the RICES Rule evaluate its
degree
of severity (grade 1,2,3
etc. and percent of body coverage).
3. Apply N-1 Ceramic magnets
4. If grade 1 or 2
a. remove the hair
and clean around the burned area
b. apply
Neosporin around the burn
c. place the
2nd Skin over the burned area
d. place
2nd skin or a non-adhesive sterile pad over the area
e. place strips of elastikon tape over and
completely cover the burned
area to secure both the 2nd Skin and non-adhesive pad over the
site
5. Daily application of Castor Oil, Essential Oils, and ScarCare
massage lotion.
6. If grade 3 or worse or if you are not sure of its grade then:
a. apply steps 1, 2, and 3 above and transport
to a hospital as soon
as possible
7. Changing the dressing (burns need stick daily monitoring)
a. the first day change the dressing
two to three times depending on
its severity and the accompanying pain
b. the second day through being completely healed change the
dressing once
a day or more if necessary to insure no infection and
it’s
expected rate of improvement
If, for any reason, you are in doubt about the burn’s
severity, status, or it’s progress, contact your doctor
immediately. |
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