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Burns

Types, Symptoms, Causes, Questions & Related Topics

Key Points

  • The article outlines the different types of burns including heat, electrical, friction, cold, chemical, and radiation burns.
  • Burns are categorized into four levels of severity, from first-degree burns affecting only the outer skin layer, to fourth-degree burns impacting underlying ligaments, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and bones.
  • Home treatment options for minor burns include over-the-counter pain relievers, cool water, and aloe vera lotion.
  • While urgent care centers can handle minor burns, severe third and fourth-degree burns necessitate treatment in an emergency room.

Every year more than 3 million Americans seek treatment for burns. Whether you’re cooking dinner on the stove, curling your hair to get ready for a night out, or lighting a candle, doing everyday tasks come with the risk of getting burned. Heat burns – burns caused by fire, steam, hot liquids, or hot objects – are the most widely known type of burn. However, there are many different types of burns.

Types of Burns:

  • Electrical burns, which are caused by contact with an electrical source or lightning
  • Friction burns (also known as “road rash”), which are caused by contact with hard surfaces such as roads, carpets, and gym floors
  • Cold burns, which are caused by contact with extreme cold, wet, or windy conditions
  • Chemical burns, which are caused by contact with certain household or industrial chemicals
  • Radiation burns, which are caused by exposure to the sun (sunburns), tanning booths, X-rays, and radiation therapy

All types of burns are broken down into different levels categorized from minor to severe:

  • First-degree burns: These types of burn affect only the outer layer of the skin and can typically be treated with at-home remedies.
  • Second-degree burns: Second-degree burns can be treated as minor burn if they’re smaller than three inches in diameter or if it doesn’t cover a major joint, your hands, feet, or face. These types of burns affect the inner and outer layer of skin and typically cause the skin to blister.
  • Third-degree burns: These types of burns always require professional medical attention, as they affect all layers of the skin and underlying tissue.
  • Fourth-degree burns: The most severe type of burn, fourth-degree burns affect all layers of the skin and underlying ligaments, tendons, nerves, blood vessels and bones.

If you have a minor burn, home treatment options include:

  • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil®), acetaminophen (Tylenol®), or naproxen sodium (Aleve)
  • Holding the affected area under cool running water until the pain passes to help cool the burn
  • Applying aloe vera lotion to the affected area to moisturize the burn and keep it cool

Urgent care centers are able to treat minor burns (first-degree or small second-degree burns), while third-degree and fourth-degree burns are better treated at the emergency room.

Frequently asked questions

  • What are the different types of burns discussed in the article?

    The article mentions six types of burns: heat, electrical, friction, cold, chemical, and radiation burns.
  • How are burns categorized in terms of severity?

    Burns are categorized into four levels. First-degree burns affect only the outer skin layer, second-degree burns impact the inner and outer skin layers, third-degree burns affect all skin layers and underlying tissue, and fourth-degree burns affect all skin layers and underlying ligaments, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and bones.
  • What are some suggested home treatments for minor burns?

    For minor burns, the article suggests using over-the-counter pain relievers, running cool water over the burn, and applying aloe vera lotion.
  • Where should severe burns be treated?

    Severe third and fourth-degree burns should be treated in an emergency room, according to the article.
  • Can minor burns be treated at an urgent care center?

    Yes, the article states that minor burns can be treated at urgent care centers.
  • What are fourth-degree burns and what do they affect?

    Fourth-degree burns are the most severe type of burn. They affect all layers of the skin and underlying structures including ligaments, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and bones.
  • What should I do immediately after getting a minor burn?

    The article suggests running cool water over the burn and applying aloe vera lotion. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also be used.
  • What types of burns affect both the inner and outer layer of skin?

    Second-degree burns affect both the inner and outer layer of skin.

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