Overview
A burn is tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Burns are classified by severity (degree) and depth. Understanding the type and extent of a burn is essential for choosing the right first aid and knowing when to seek medical care.
Burns can affect the outer layer of skin (epidermis), deeper layers (dermis), and in severe cases underlying tissues, muscles, and bones. Prompt and appropriate treatment reduces the risk of infection, scarring, and complications.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the degree of the burn. First-degree burns cause redness and pain. Second-degree burns cause blisters and deeper pain. Third-degree burns cause white, black, or charred skin with little pain (due to nerve damage).
Other signs may include swelling, peeling skin, and, in severe cases, shock, dehydration, and difficulty breathing if the burn affects the airway.
Causes
Burns are caused by thermal sources (fire, hot liquids, steam), chemical exposure (acids, alkalis), electrical currents, and radiation (sunburn, radiation therapy). Friction and extreme cold can also cause burn-like skin injuries.
Treatment
Treatment depends on severity. Minor burns can be treated with cool running water, aloe vera, and sterile bandages. Severe burns require medical attention, including skin grafts, IV fluids, pain management, and infection control.
Never apply ice directly to a burn, and do not pop blisters. For chemical or electrical burns, seek emergency care immediately.
When to See a Doctor
Seek emergency care for large burns, burns on the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals, or burns from chemicals or electricity. Also seek medical help if the burn is deep, covers a large area, or shows signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever.