Danger to peripheral circulation Danger to peripheral circulation In full-thickness burns, the collagen fibres are coagulated. The normal elasticity of the skin is lost. A circumferential full- thickness burn to a limb acts as a tourniquet as the limb swells. If untreated, this will progress to limb-threatening ischaemia. Summary box 46.7 Other complications of burns /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF Infection from the burn site, lungs, gut, lines and catheters Malabsorption from the gut Circumferential burns may compromise circulation to a limb Danger to peripheral circulation In full-thickness burns, the collagen fibres are coagulated. The normal elasticity of the skin is lost. A circumferential full- thickness burn to a limb acts as a tourniquet as the limb swells. If untreated, this will progress to limb-threatening ischaemia. Summary box 46.7 Other complications of burns /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF Infection from the burn site, lungs, gut, lines and catheters Malabsorption from the gut Circumferential burns may compromise circulation to a limb Danger to peripheral circulation In full-thickness burns, the collagen fibres are coagulated. The normal elasticity of the skin is lost. A circumferential full- thickness burn to a limb acts as a tourniquet as the limb swells. If untreated, this will progress to limb-threatening ischaemia. Summary box 46.7 Other complications of burns /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF Infection from the burn site, lungs, gut, lines and catheters Malabsorption from the gut Circumferential burns may compromise circulation to a limb