Burn injuries can result from various incidents, causing severe damage to the skin and underlying tissues. At first, you may not understand the depth of these injuries.
Recognizing the different types of burns is important for proper treatment and prevention.
Thermal burns
Thermal burns, caused by exposure to heat sources, are the most prevalent type. Scalds from hot liquids, steam, flames or contact with hot surfaces fall under this category. These burns are often classified into three degrees.
First-degree superficial burns affect only the outer layer of the skin, causing redness and mild pain. Affecting the outer and underlying layer, second-degree burns result in blistering and intense pain. Third-degree burns are the most severe, involving all layers of the skin and possibly extending into underlying tissues. Skin may appear charred or white, and nerve damage can lead to numbness.
Chemical burns
Chemical burns occur when the skin comes into contact with corrosive substances like acids, alkalis or solvents. Unlike thermal burns, chemical burns may not immediately show symptoms, making prompt treatment important. Depending on the substance and exposure duration, these burns can range from mild irritation to severe tissue damage.
Electrical burns
1,000 Americans die each year due to electrical injuries. Electrical burns result from contact with electrical currents. Whether from household appliances, power lines or lightning, the damage can extend beyond the skin to affect internal organs. These kinds of burns are deceptive, since the severity of internal injuries may not align with the external burn appearance.
Seeking immediate medical help after a burn is the first step you should take. This focus on recovery can also help you keep your peace of mind while dealing with these painful injuries.