What Is a Burn?
A burn is an injury to the skin and underlying tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Burns can vary significantly in severity, and prompt evaluation and treatment are essential to support healing and prevent complications.
The Four Degrees of Burns
Burns are categorized into degrees based on their depth and severity:
First-Degree Burns
Affects: Epidermis (top layer) only
Symptoms: Redness, mild swelling, pain. Example: sunburns
Second-Degree Burns
Affects: Epidermis and part of dermis (second layer)
Symptoms: Redness, blistering, intense pain
Third-Degree Burns
Affects: Full thickness of skin and underlying tissues
Symptoms: White, black, brown, or charred skin. Often painless due to nerve damage.
Fourth-Degree Burns
Affects: Skin, muscles, tendons, and bones
Symptoms: Charred skin, dry and leathery appearance. Life-threatening.
Treatment by Burn Degree
First-Degree Burns (Home Care)
- Immerse the burn in cool water or apply cool compresses for relief
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
- Avoid breaking any blisters that may form
- Keep the burn clean and dry
- Apply a mild ointment or aloe vera gel to soothe the area
Second-Degree Burns (May Require Medical Attention)
- Immerse the burn in cool water or apply cool compresses to reduce pain and swelling
- Avoid breaking blisters—if they break on their own, keep the area clean and apply an antibiotic ointment with a sterile dressing
- Seek medical attention for proper evaluation and wound care
Third & Fourth-Degree Burns: Call 911 Immediately
- Do not apply anything to the burn
- Cover the area with a clean, dry cloth or sterile dressing
- Keep the person warm and elevate the affected area if possible
- These are severe injuries requiring emergency medical care
When to Seek Medical Care
While first-degree and minor second-degree burns can often be managed at home with proper first aid, you should seek medical attention if:
- The burn covers a large area
- The burn is on the face, hands, feet, groin, or over a major joint
- You're unsure about the severity
- Signs of infection develop (increased redness, swelling, pus, fever)
- The burn doesn't seem to be healing
If you experience a severe burn or are unsure about the degree of your burn, seek medical attention promptly. Our wound care specialists can assess the burn's severity and provide appropriate treatment to support optimal healing and prevent complications.