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Types of Burn Wounds

Burns are wounds inflicted upon body tissue, commonly as a result of heat (thermal burns) delivered in the form of fire, hot liquids and steam. However, there are other dangers that can inflict burn injuries. Burns can range from minor to extreme and can even be deadly.

  1. Degrees of Burn Injuries

    • There are four degrees of burns, deemed so depending on how much damage they inflict on the body. First-degree burns injure only the most outer layer of skin while second-degree burns go all the way to the next layer of skin. Usually first and second-degree burns can heal on their own. Third-degree burns go beyond the layers of skin and into other body issues. Cases of third-degree burns may require application of skin grafts in order to heal. Fourth-degree burns are the most severe and involve damage to nerves, muscle and even bones. Nerve damage can be so severe that the injured may not even be able to feel pain in that area.

    Electrical Burns

    • When electrical current flows through the body, it can inflict electrical burns. The burns occur wherever the electricity enters the body and exits the body. Electrocution is especially dangerous, because it can stop the heart in the process, though the injured person can survive if paramedics or someone knowledgeable in CPR can restart the heart.

    Scalds

    • Scalding is a type of burn resulting from contact with hot liquids, often over 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Scalding can become quite severe and even fatal, especially to children and the elderly, who have thin skin. For example, a child can receive a third-degree burn when exposed to 150-degree liquid for a single second.

    Sunburns

    • Overexposure to the strong rays of the sun can cause sunburn, a condition where the skin becomes red and painful and sometimes displays blisters. Sunburns are easily prevented by wearing sunscreen and avoiding direct sunlight when not necessary. Sunburns heal after several days as the burned skin peels, but frequent sunburns can result in skin cancer.

    Chemical Burns

    • Chemical burns result not only from acids in industrial and factory settings, but also from household products like bleach, drain cleaner and paint cleaner. Amount of exposure time determines how severe the injury is, as these chemicals tend to eat through the skin until the chemical is washed off.

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