Burns: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Overview

Burns are injuries to the tissues caused by hot liquids, sunlight, flames, chemicals, electricity, steam, or other sources. A burn can range from minor to life-threatening.

Treatment depends on the burn’s location and severity. Mild burns and sunburns can often be managed with simple first aid. However, deep, extensive, chemical, or electrical burns require immediate medical care. Some individuals may need specialized burn-center treatment and months of follow-up care.

Burn symptoms vary according to the depth of skin damage, and severe burn symptoms may take one to two days to fully appear.

Types of Burns

1. First-Degree Burns (Superficial Burns)

These burns affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis).
Symptoms include: pain, redness, and mild skin discoloration.

2. Second-Degree Burns (Partial-Thickness Burns)

These burns involve the epidermis and the dermis.
Symptoms include: red, swollen, blotchy, or white skin, blisters, and severe pain.
Deep second-degree burns may cause scarring.

3. Third-Degree Burns (Full-Thickness Burns)

These burns damage all layers of the skin and may extend into fat and muscle.
Appearance: black, brown, or white skin with a dry, leathery texture.
Because nerves may be destroyed, pain may be minimal or absent.

When to See a Doctor

Seek emergency care (or call local emergency services) if you experience:

Burns that appear deep or extend through all skin layers
Dry, leathery, charred, white, brown, or black areas
Burns wider than 3 inches (about 8 cm)
Burns on the hands, feet, face, neck, groin, buttocks, or over major joints
Circumferential burns around an arm or leg
Difficulty breathing after smoke inhalation
Headache, nausea, or rapid swelling after fire exposure
Burns caused by chemicals, explosions, gunpowder, or electricity (including lightning)
Sunburn accompanied by fever over 39°C, vomiting, confusion, fainting, dehydration, or signs of infection

Also contact a healthcare provider if:

You notice signs of infection: fever, pus, or red streaks
A blister larger than 2 inches (5 cm) does not heal within two weeks
You develop unexplained new symptoms
You have diabetes and develop any burn
You may need a tetanus booster (recommended if >5 years since last dose)

Causes

Burns may result from:

Open flames
Hot liquids or steam
Hot metal, glass, or objects
Electrical currents
Non-solar radiation (e.g., X-rays)
Sunlight and UV exposure (tanning beds)
Chemicals such as strong acids, alkalis, thinners, or gasoline
Abuse or neglect

Risk Factors

Factors that increase burn risk include:

Work environments involving heat, flames, or chemicals
Dementia in older adults that increases exposure to hot water or cooking hazards
Young children who may not recognize danger
Alcohol use, which impairs judgment and reaction time

Complications

Serious or extensive burns may lead to:

Bacterial infections, tetanus, pneumonia
Fluid loss or hypovolemic shock
Dangerous drops in body temperature
Breathing difficulties from smoke inhalation
Cardiac rhythm disturbances after electrical burns
Scarring, keloids, or pigmentation changes
Chronic pain, numbness, or itching
Joint or tendon contractures
Depression or anxiety
Skin cancer forming in old burn scars

Prevention

Kitchen, Car Seat, and Bathroom Safety

Never leave cooking unattended
Turn pot handles inward
Keep hot liquids away from children and pets
Check food temperature before serving children
Avoid microwaving baby bottles
Keep children away from stoves, grills, and heaters
Check car-seat buckles before placing a child
Set water heater temperature below 120°F (48.9°C)

Electrical Safety

Unplug irons, heaters, and similar devices after use
Keep electrical devices away from water
Cover unused electrical outlets
Keep cords out of children’s reach

Fire Safety

Quit smoking; if not, never smoke in bed
Extinguish candles before leaving the room
Install smoke detectors on every floor; test yearly
Keep a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it

Chemical Safety

Wear protective clothing and eyewear
Keep chemicals, matches, and lighters away from children
Avoid toy-like lighters

Keywords: burns, burn symptoms, first aid for burns, types of burns, burn treatment, burn complications, burn prevention, first-degree burn, second-degree burn, third-degree burn.

Burns