Burns are injuries to the skin or deeper tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. They are classified by their severity and may require different levels of care. This page explores the causes, diagnostic process, and treatment options for burns.

Causes of Burns

Burns can result from various sources, broadly categorized into thermal, chemical, electrical, and radiation-related causes.

Thermal Burns

• Fire or Flames: Direct contact with open flames.
• Hot Liquids (Scalds): Exposure to boiling water, steam, or hot oil.
• Hot Objects: Contact with heated surfaces like metal, glass, or cooking appliances.

Chemical Burns

• Acid or Alkali Exposure: Contact with industrial cleaners, bleach, or other corrosive substances.

Electrical Burns

• Electrical Currents: Can occur from faulty wiring, lightning strikes, or exposed electrical sources.

Radiation Burns

• Sunburn: Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
• Medical Treatments: Radiation therapy for cancer may result in localized burns.

Other Causes

• Friction Burns: Caused by rubbing skin against a rough surface, such as a treadmill belt.
• Cold Burns (Frostbite): Result from exposure to freezing temperatures.

Severity of Burns

Burns are classified into three levels based on the depth and extent of skin damage.

First-Degree Burns

• Characteristics: Affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis).
• Symptoms: Redness, minor pain, and swelling.
• Examples: Mild sunburn.

Second-Degree Burns

• Characteristics: Extend into the dermis (second layer of skin).
• Symptoms: Red, blistered skin with significant pain and swelling.
• Examples: Scald injuries or brief contact with hot objects.

Third-Degree Burns

• Characteristics: Destroy both the epidermis and dermis, potentially affecting deeper tissues.
• Symptoms: White, charred, or leathery skin with little to no pain due to nerve damage.
• Examples: Severe flame or chemical burns.

Diagnosing Burns

Burn severity is determined by assessing the depth, size, and location of the burn.

Physical Examination
Your healthcare provider will evaluate:

• Depth: How deeply the burn has penetrated the skin layers.
• Extent: The percentage of the body surface area (BSA) affected.
• Location: Burns on the face, hands, feet, or genitals may require specialized care.

Diagnostic Tools

• Laboratory Tests: Blood tests to monitor for infection or dehydration in severe burns.
• Imaging: X-rays or other imaging may be needed for electrical burns to assess internal damage.

Treating Burns

Treatment for burns depends on their severity, location, and cause. Minor burns can often be treated at home, while severe burns require emergency care.

First-Degree Burns

• Cool the Burn: Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10–15 minutes.
• Moisturize: Apply aloe vera or a burn cream to soothe the skin.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Protect the Area: Cover with a sterile, non-stick bandage.

Second-Degree Burns

• Cool the Burn: Avoid ice, which can cause further tissue damage.
• Leave Blisters Intact: Do not pop blisters, as they protect the underlying skin.
• Seek Medical Care: For burns larger than 3 inches or on sensitive areas like the face, hands, or feet.

Third-Degree Burns

• Emergency Care: Call 111 or seek immediate medical attention.
• Do Not Remove Clothing: Leave burned clothing in place to avoid worsening the injury.
• Prevent Shock: Lay the person flat and elevate their legs slightly if no head or neck injury is suspected.

Complications of Burns

Severe burns can lead to complications, including:

• Infections: Open wounds are susceptible to bacterial infections.
• Scarring: Deep burns may leave permanent scars or require skin grafts.
• Dehydration: Loss of fluids through damaged skin can lead to dehydration.
• Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of smoke or toxic fumes can cause lung damage.
• Hypothermia: Large burns may disrupt the skin’s ability to regulate body temperature.

Preventing Burns

You can reduce the risk of burns by:

• Practicing Fire Safety: Install smoke detectors and keep fire extinguishers in your home.
• Childproofing: Keep hot liquids, appliances, and chemicals out of reach of children.
• Wearing Protective Gear: Use gloves and goggles when handling chemicals or working near flames.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Burns covering large areas of the body or deep burns affecting multiple layers of skin.
• Burns on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or over major joints.
• Signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus.
• Difficulty breathing or burns caused by inhaling smoke or toxic fumes.

Burns can range from mild to life-threatening injuries. Prompt and appropriate care is essential to minimize complications and promote healing. Always consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.