Burns: Types

Written by April Khan and Matthew Solan | Published on August 13, 2014
Medically Reviewed by George Krucik, MD, MBA on August 13, 2014

Overview

Burns are among the most common household injuries, especially in children. The term “burn” means more than the burning sensation associated with this injury. Burns are characterized by severe skin damage in which many of the affected cells die. Depending on the cause and degree of injury, most people can recover from burns without serious health consequences. More serious burns require immediate emergency medical care to prevent complications and death.

Burn Levels

There are three primary types of burns: first-, second-, and third-degree. Each degree is based on the severity of damage to the skin, with first degree being the most minor and third degree being the most severe. Damage includes:

• first-degree burns: red, non-blistered skin
• second-degree burns: blisters and some thickening of the skin
• third-degree burns: widespread thickness with a white, leathery appearance

There is also technically a fourth-degree burn. In this type, the damage of third-degree burns extends beyond the skin into tendons and bones.
Burns have a variety of causes, including:

• scalding from hot, boiling liquids
• chemical burns
• electrical burns
• fires, including flames from matches, candles, and lighters
• excessive sun exposure

The type of burn is not based on the cause of it. Scalding, for example, can cause all three burns, depending on how hot the liquid is and how long the skin makes contact. Chemical and electrical burns warrant immediate medical attention because they can affect the inside of the body — even if skin damage is minor.

First-Degree Burn

First-degree burns cause minimal skin damage. They are also called “superficial burns” because they affect the outermost layer of skin. Signs of a first-degree burn include:

• redness
• minor inflammation (swelling)
• pain
• dry, peeling skin (occurs as the burn heals)

Since this burn affects the top layer of skin, the signs and symptoms disappear once the skin cells shed. First-degree burns usually heal within three to six days. Still, you should see your doctor if the burn affects a large area of skin (more than three inches), and if it’s on your face or a major joint.
First-degree burns are mostly treated with home care. Healing time may be quicker if you treat the burn sooner. To treat this type, you can:

• soak the wound in cool water for five minutes or longer
• take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief
• apply aloe vera gel or cream to soothe the skin
• use an antibiotic ointment and loose gauze to protect the affected area

Make sure you don’t use ice, as this may make the damage worse. Never apply cotton balls to a burn because the small fibers can stick to the injury and increase the risk of infection. Also, avoid home remedies like butter and eggs as these are not proven to be effective.

Second-Degree Burn

Second-degree burns are more serious because the damage extends beyond the top layer of skin. This type of extensive damage causes the skin to blister and become extremely red and sore. Some blisters pop open, giving the burn a wet appearance.
Due to the delicate nature of such wounds, frequent bandaging is required to prevent infection. This also helps the burn heal quicker. Some second-degree burns take longer than three weeks to heal, but most heal within two to three weeks. The worse the blisters are, the longer the burn will take to heal. In some severe cases, skin grafting is required to fix the subsequent damage. Skin grafting borrows healthy skin from another area of the body and replaces it at the site of the burned skin.
As with first-degree burns, avoid cotton ball wraps and questionable home remedies. You can generally treat a mild second-degree burn by:

• running the skin under cool water for 15 minutes or longer
• taking over-the-counter pain medication (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
• applying antibiotic cream to blisters

However, seek emergency medical treatment if burns affect a widespread area of the:

• face
• hands
• buttocks
• groin
• feet

Third-Degree Burn

Third-degree burns are the worst burns. They cause the most damage, extending through every layer of skin. The damage can even reach the bloodstream, major organs, and bones, which can lead to death.
There is a misconception that third-degree means most painful. With this type of burn, the damage is so extensive that you may not feel pain because your nerves are damaged. Depending on the cause, third-degree burns cause the skin to look:

• waxy and white
• charred
• dark brown
• raised and leathery

Never attempt to self-treat a third-degree burn. Call 911 immediately. While you’re waiting for medical treatment, raise the injury above your heart. Don’t get undressed, but make sure no clothing is stuck to the burn. There is no set healing timeline for third-degree burns.