Symptoms

First-degree burns (superficial burns) are mild compared to other burns.

Second-degree burns (partial thickness burns) affect the epidermis and the dermis (lower layer of skin).

Third-degree burns (full thickness burns) go through the dermis and affect deeper tissues.

Burn symptoms vary depending on the severity or degree of the burn. Symptoms are often worse during the first few hours or days after the burn. Burn symptoms include:

• Blisters.
• Pain.
• Swelling.
• White or charred (black) skin.
• Peeling skin.

Causes

Many things can cause a burn. Thermal sources, including fire, hot liquids, steam and contact with hot surfaces, are the most common causes of burns. Other causes include exposure to:

Chemicals, such as cement, acids or drain cleaners.

• Radiation.
• Electricity.
• Sun (ultraviolet or UV light).

Treatments

First-degree burns can usually be treated with skin care products like aloe vera cream or an antibiotic ointment and pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Second-degree burns may be treated with an antibiotic cream or other creams or ointments prescribed by a doctor.

Third-degree and fourth-degree burns may need more intensive treatments such as intravenous (IV) antibiotics to prevent infection or IV fluids to replace fluids lost when skin was burned.