T31.4: Burns involving 40-49% of body surface

Burns involving 40-49% of the body surface, as classified by the T31.4 code, are severe injuries that involve significant damage to the skin and potentially underlying tissues. These burns can result from varying causes such as fire, hot liquids, steam, chemicals, radiation, or electricity. Symptoms usually include pain, redness, swelling, blistering, and in significant cases, charring or white or black discoloration of the skin. Burns of this magnitude might also cause shock due to fluid loss and alterations in body temperature regulation. Impaired immune response, resulting from the damage to the body's first line of defense, can also cause susceptibility to infections. This condition often requires intensive medical care including wound care, pain management, and sometimes surgical interventions. Severe burns may have long-term outcomes that include scarring, physical impairment, and psychological trauma.