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More about Burns:
Definition Causes and symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Alternative treatment Prognosis Prevention Resources |
Burns may be caused by even a brief encounter with heat greater than 120°F (49°C). The source of this heat may be the sun (causing a sunburn), hot liquids, steam, fire, electricity, friction (causing rug burns and rope burns), and chemicals (causing a caustic burn upon contact).
| Classification Of Burns | |
| First-Degree (Minor) | The burned area is painful. The outer skin is reddened. Slight swelling is present. |
| Second-Degree (Moderate) | The burned area is painful. The underskin is affected. Blisters may form. The area may have a wet, shiny appearance because of exposed tissue. |
| Third-Degree (Critical) | The burned area is insensitive due to the destruction of nerve endings. Skin is destroyed.Muscle tissues and bone underneath may be damaged. The area may be charred, white, or grayish in color. |
Signs of a burn are localized redness, swelling, and pain. A severe burn will also blister. The skin may also peel, appear white or charred, and feel numb. A burn may trigger a headache and fever. Extensive burns may induce shock, the symptoms of which are faintness, weakness, rapid pulse and breathing, pale and clammy skin, and bluish lips and fingernails.
— Bethany Thivierge
