A 24-year-old man burns his hand after grasping the handle of a hot pan while preparing a meal. Several minutes later, both the initial burn and the area around it are red without blistering. When he presses on the burn, the tissue blanches. Which of the following is most likely contributing to the reaction observed in this patient?

Question

A 24-year-old man burns his hand after grasping the handle of a hot pan while preparing a meal.  Several minutes later, both the initial burn and the area around it are red without blistering.  When he presses on the burn, the tissue blanches.  Which of the following is most likely contributing to the reaction observed in this patient?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The earliest morphologic change that occurs after a superficial thermal burn is erythema due to the release of preformed mediators (eg, histamine) from mast cells.  Deeper (eg, partial-thickness) burn wounds form blisters due to fluid extravasation through gaps between damaged venule endothelial cells.

A 24-Year-Old Man Burns His Hand After Grasping the Handle