Types of Burns

Recognizing different types of burns is important. Nearly 2 million people in the US suffer a burn every year.

100,000 of them will require hospitalization. Listed below are the diffferent classifications of burns:

• 1st degree burn - is a superficial, reddened area of skin like a sunburn.
• 2nd degree burn - is a blistered injury site which may heal spontaneously after the blister fluid has bee removed.
• 3rd degree burn - is a burn through the entire skin and will usually require surgical intervention for wound healing.
• Scald - May occur from scalding hot water, grease or radiator fluid.
• Thermal - May occur from flames, usually deep burns.
• Chemical - May come from acid and alkali, usually deep burns.
• Electrical - Either low voltage around a house or high voltage at work
• Explosion Flash - Usually superficial injuries.
• Contact Burns - Usually deep and may occur from muffler tail pipes, hot irons and stoves.

When a burn occurs initial wound care therapy should consist of cooling the burn.

A superficial burn will heal on it's own in a few weeks. Use a little topical burn relief gel to relieve pain and prevent infection.

Large burns may require nutritional support, pain relief and possible hospitalization.

Third degree burns should be treated by a health care professional ASAP.