Answer:
The hallmark of the partial-thickness burn is blister formation. The presence of blisters (bullae) denotes at least some element of viable dermis beneath the blister fluid. Although edema is evident immediately after a burn, the diffusion of nutrient chemical constituents of the body is not impaired. Blister fluid, not unlike serum, contains all substances found in the body, including parenterally administered penicillin (PRS 65:1980). The elevation of potassium and the cation to anion imbalance in the blister fluid is primarily due to the Na/K cellular pump malfunction, and the destruction of the permeability of the cell membrane is most likely a direct result of complement and other cellular enzymes, which include the prostaglandins and thromboxanes. The elevated SGOT, CPK, and LDH in blister fluid indicates severe trauma to the cells in the immediate area of burn and possibly to the skeletal muscle. The presence of immunoglobulins in blister fluid indicates that high-molecular-weight proteins diffuse equally well during this edematous phase. Evidence of this nature strongly suggests that the integrity of the burn blister be maintained.