Burns are a common injury that can range from mild to severe. 

Understanding the different classifications of burns can help in providing the right treatment and knowing how to prevent them. 

Burns can be caused by a variety of factors, and knowing how to handle them is important for both prevention and care.

In this article, we will explain the different classifications of burns and how they are caused. 

We will also explore the best ways to treat burns and provide helpful tips on preventing them in different situations.

What are the Main Causes of Burns?

Burns can occur in many ways. 

Understanding the different causes helps in both preventing and treating burns effectively. 

Below are the main causes of burns.

Thermal

Thermal burns are caused by exposure to heat sources like fire, hot liquids, steam, or heated surfaces. 

These burns are the most common and can happen in various environments, especially in the kitchen or around open flames. 

Thermal burns can range from mild to severe, depending on the temperature and length of exposure. 

Examples include burns from a hot stove, boiling water, or touching a heated iron.

Cold

Cold burns, also known as frostbite, occur when the skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures for extended periods. 

These burns damage the skin and tissues, leading to numbness, discoloration, and in severe cases, tissue death. 

Cold burns commonly happen in freezing temperatures or when handling extremely cold objects, such as liquid nitrogen or snow.

Friction

Friction burns happen when skin rubs against a rough surface, generating heat. 

This can occur during physical activities such as running, falling, or using tools like a belt sander. 

The friction generates enough heat to damage the skin’s surface, causing redness, blisters, and pain. 

These burns can be superficial but may cause discomfort and take time to heal.

Radiation

Radiation burns are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or other sources of radiation. 

Sunburn is a common example of a radiation burn. 

These burns can damage the skin’s DNA, leading to redness, swelling, and peeling. 

Prolonged or intense exposure to radiation can also increase the risk of skin cancer.

Electrical

Electrical burns happen when the body comes into direct contact with an electrical current. 

These burns can cause both external skin damage and internal injuries, depending on the voltage and duration of exposure. 

Electrical burns may occur from faulty appliances, downed power lines, or electrical equipment mishandling. 

The damage can be severe and may require emergency medical attention.

Chemical

Chemical burns occur when the skin comes into contact with corrosive substances like acids, alkalis, or solvents. 

These chemicals can cause deep tissue damage by breaking down cells. 

Chemical burns often happen in industrial or home settings where chemicals are used for cleaning, gardening, or maintenance. 

Immediate washing and neutralising the chemical are essential to minimise damage.

The Different Classifications of Burns

Burns are classified into four different degrees. 

Each degree indicates the severity of the burn and helps determine the appropriate treatment.

First Degree

First-degree burns are the mildest type of burn. 

They affect only the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. 

These burns typically result in redness, pain, and slight swelling. 

A common example of a first-degree burn is a mild sunburn. 

The skin may appear red, and the affected area might feel tender to the touch, but no blisters form. 

First-degree burns usually heal within a few days without permanent damage. 

Second Degree

Second-degree burns are more severe and affect both the epidermis and the second layer of skin, called the dermis. 

These burns can cause intense pain, swelling, and blistering. 

The skin may appear red, shiny, and wet, due to fluid leaking from damaged tissue. 

Second-degree burns can occur from hot liquids, steam, or direct contact with fire. 

The healing process takes longer than first-degree burns and may take up to 2–3 weeks, depending on the severity. 

Third Degree

Third-degree burns are deep burns that extend through all layers of the skin and into the underlying tissues. 

These burns can cause the skin to appear white, charred, or leathery, and they may not be painful initially due to nerve damage. 

However, third-degree burns are extremely serious and can cause permanent damage to the skin and underlying structures. 

Third-degree burns can result from prolonged exposure to fire, hot liquids, electrical sources, or chemicals. 

Immediate medical care is required to treat these burns, as they can lead to severe complications such as infections or shock.

Fourth Degree

Fourth-degree burns are the most severe type of burn, causing deep damage not only to the skin but also to muscles, tendons, and bones. 

These burns destroy all layers of the skin and may also affect the underlying tissue and bone. 

The skin may appear blackened or charred, and there may be no pain in the area due to extensive nerve damage. 

Fourth-degree burns are life-threatening and require immediate medical intervention. 

How are Burns Treated?

Treatment for burns depends on the degree of the burn and its severity. 

For minor burns, at-home care may be sufficient, while more severe burns require immediate medical attention.

First Degree

First-degree burns are the least severe and typically require minimal treatment. 

The main goal is to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. 

To treat a first-degree burn:

Cool the Burn

Run cool (not cold) water over the burned area for 10-15 minutes or use a cold, wet compress to reduce heat.

Moisturise

After cooling, apply soothing lotions like aloe vera gel or over-the-counter burn creams to prevent the skin from drying out and to alleviate pain.

Pain Relief

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage discomfort.

Protect the Area

Keep the burn clean and covered with a sterile, non-stick bandage to prevent infection.

Hydration

Drink plenty of fluids to help the skin heal.

Second Degree

Second-degree burns involve both the epidermis and dermis, so they require more attention:

Cool the Burn

Similar to first-degree burns, cool the area with cool water to reduce pain and swelling.

Don’t Pop Blisters

If blisters form, don’t pop them, as this can lead to infection. Keep them covered with a sterile bandage.

Moisturise

Apply aloe vera gel or burn creams to soothe the area.

Pain Relief

Use pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and swelling.

Medical Care

For larger second-degree burns, or if infection is suspected, seek medical care.

Third Degree

Third-degree burns are much more serious and often require professional medical treatment:

Call Emergency Services

Seek medical attention immediately for third-degree burns.

Cover the Burn

If possible, cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth or sterile bandage.

Don’t Remove Burned Clothing

Avoid removing burned clothing, unless it is smouldering.

Do Not Immerse in Water

For deep burns, do not immerse the area in water as it could cause further damage.

Pain Relief and IV Fluids

Medical staff may provide pain management and IV fluids to prevent dehydration and shock.

Third-degree burns often require surgery, such as skin grafts, and have long recovery times.

Fourth Degree

Fourth-degree burns are life-threatening and require immediate medical intervention:

Call Emergency Services

Fourth-degree burns require immediate attention from healthcare professionals.

Prevent Shock

Keep the patient warm and lay them down with their legs elevated to reduce shock.

Monitor Breathing

Ensure the person is breathing, and if necessary, perform CPR until help arrives.

Treatment for fourth-degree burns involves extensive medical care, including surgery, skin grafts, and possibly amputations, depending on the severity.

How to Help Prevent Different Types of Burns?

Many burns can be prevented with careful attention to safety. 

Here are some tips for avoiding burns in various situations.

Thermal Burns

To prevent thermal burns, always handle hot objects with care. 

Use oven mitts or gloves when handling hot pots and pans. 

Ensure that hot liquids or foods are kept away from the edges of counters and tables where they could spill. 

Install and use smoke detectors to alert you of any fire hazards in the home. 

When cooking, never leave the kitchen unattended.

Cold Burns

Cold burns can be avoided by dressing warmly in cold weather. 

Wear layers of clothing, including gloves, hats, scarves, and thermal socks, especially when spending time outdoors in freezing temperatures. 

Avoid prolonged exposure to cold environments, and take regular breaks to warm up. 

Ensure that children and elderly people are properly protected from the cold.

Friction Burns

To prevent friction burns, wear protective gear, such as gloves, elbow pads, or knee pads, when participating in activities that involve physical contact or intense movement, like sports or cycling. 

Make sure footwear is suitable for the environment to prevent slipping and falling, which could cause friction burns.

Radiation Burns

Radiation burns can occur due to prolonged exposure to the sun or other sources of radiation. 

To prevent sunburns, wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, seek shade, and wear protective clothing like hats and sunglasses. 

Avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). 

When dealing with other forms of radiation, always follow safety protocols and wear protective clothing or shields.

Electrical Burns

To prevent electrical burns, ensure that all electrical outlets, cords, and devices are in good working condition. 

Keep electrical appliances away from water sources, and never use electrical devices with wet hands. 

Always turn off the power supply before repairing any electrical equipment. 

Install safety covers on outlets to protect children.

Chemical Burns

To prevent chemical burns, always handle chemicals with caution. 

Wear appropriate protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and aprons when working with cleaning products, solvents, or industrial chemicals. 

Store chemicals in a safe location, away from children and pets, and read labels carefully for handling instructions. 

Ensure good ventilation when using strong chemicals

Conclusion

You should now have more of an understanding of the different classifications of burns.

Burns are a common injury, but they can range from minor to life-threatening depending on the severity. 

Understanding the different classifications of burns and knowing how to treat them is essential. 

Whether the burn is caused by heat, cold, chemicals, or friction, timely and proper treatment is crucial.

By practising safety measures in the home and work environment, burns can be prevented. 

Whether cooking, handling chemicals, or enjoying outdoor activities, taking precautions can help keep you and your loved ones safe from burns.

Always remember, if a burn seems severe, it’s important to seek medical help immediately.