Types of Burns: Is It a Serious Burn?
Burns are commonly classified into three degrees of severity:
- First-degree burns cause damage to the skin’s outermost layer. These burns cause pain and swelling, and the skin may be red. Sunburn is an example.
- Second-degree burns cause damage to the dermis, which is the second layer of skin underneath the outer layer. These burns also cause pain and swelling, but the skin may be red and blistering.
- Third-degree burns damage or destroy both layers of skin, including sweat glands, nerve endings and hair follicles. The skin will be white or blackened. These burns may cause numbness at first, rather than pain, due to nerve damage.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention for a Burn?
Burns are categorized two ways: minor burns and major burns.
Minor burns are less than 3 inches wide and are first-degree or second-degree burns with intact blisters. These burns most often respond to at-home treatments. Minor burns that have blisters that have ruptured need medical attention and you should go to an urgent care center.
A major burn is:
- A second-degree burn that is bigger than 3 inches wide
- A second-degree burn on the face, feet, hands, groin, or across a joint
- A third-degree burn
These types of burns always require immediate medical attention. If you or your loved one has a major second-degree burn, immediately go to an urgent care center or the emergency room. If you are unsure of what type of burn you have, treat it as a major burn and seek immediate care.
What Should I Do for Burn Treatment?
For minor burns
- Run the area under cool (not cold) water or soak it in a cool bath.
- Do this for five or more minutes, then cover the burn with a dry and sterile bandage.
- Once the skin is cool, lotions with aloe vera and/or an antibiotic can help.
- Ibuprofen may alleviate pain.
- If the burn has blisters that have ruptured, seek medical attention in an urgent care center.
For major burns
You should always go to an urgent care center or the hospital for a major burn. If you or your loved one has a major burn, call 911 to receive emergency care if necessary. Until help arrives, cover the burn with a dry, clean bandage or cloth. Do not apply lotions or ointments to the burn.
If the major burn is on the person’s toes or fingers, keep them separated with non-stick bandages. Raise the injured body part above heart level, and if it’s safe, lay the person flat and elevate their feet 12 inches to help prevent them from going into shock.
