Burns Overview

DEGREES OF BURNS

Burn is damage to body tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight or radiation. Burns from hot liquids and steam, building fires and flammable liquids and gases are the most common causes of burns.

There are three types of burns:

First-degree burns damage the outer layer of the skin

Second-degree burns damage the outer layer and the lower layer

Third-degree burns damage or destroy the deepest layer of the skin and tissues beneath

Burns can cause swelling, blistering, scarring and, in severe cases, shock and even death. It can also lead to infections because they damage the skin's protective barrier. Antibiotic creams can prevent or treat infections. After a third-degree burn, which may require skin grafts or synthetic cover the exposed tissue and stimulate new skin growth. First and second degree burns usually heal without grafts.