local response

Last reviewed 01/2018

After the experimental work of Jackson in the 1970's in Birmingham, the local damage at the site of a burn injury is thought to broadly divide into three 'zones':

  • zone of coagulation
  • zone of stasis
  • zone of hyperaemia

It is important to note that the volume of tissue apportioned to each zone is dynamic. Optimal management of the burn will reduce the tendency for the zone of coagulation to enlarge and hence reduce the ultimate extent of scarring and other complications.