Burns: Types and Severity
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Burns can occur when the skin is exposed to a variety of conditions. Heat or thermal burns are the most common in both adults and children. These burns can occur from fire, steam or hot objects.
Electrical burns are caused from contact with an electric source such as a cord that has become frayed or even from lightening striking. Chemical burns may result from exposure to household cleaners or substances used at a work to clean or manufacture products.
More mild burns may happen from exposure to the sun or a tanning bed causing a sunburn. Friction burns can result if our bodies are in motion and come in contact with surfaces such as asphalt or carpet. Even exposure to cold can cause a type of burn.
Burns are classified by different degrees depending on the severity of the burn and how far down into the skin layers there is damage.
First degree: Only affects the first layer of skin, the epidermis, and cause redness and mild pain. They are considered the least serious type of burns.
Second degree burns are divided into two types: Superficial partial-thickness burns and Deep partial-thickness burns. These involve the second layer of the skin called the dermis. In addition to redness and more severe pain, blisters may develop that ooze and the skin will appear to be blotchy.
Third degree burns, also called a full thickness burn: Severe burns that affect not only the skin layers but the structures below, such as muscles, tendons, nerves, blood vessels and bone. The skin can appear charred and pale. Usually there is little pain as the nerves have been destroyed. These burns must receive medical attention right away.
According to University of Maryland Medical Center, between one to two million Americans seek medical attention for burns each year. Between 50 and 70 thousand people are hospitalized with 30 to 40 percent of those being children under the age of 15.
Two major concerns in the recovery from burns are infection and dehydration. Because the skin already looks red and may feel warm it is more difficult to know when an infection is brewing.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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