Understanding types, classification and treatment for burns.

Burn Injury and Treatment Information

What are burns?


What are the different types of burns?



How are burns classified?


  • First-degree (superficial partial thickness) burns
  • First-degree burns affect only the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. The burn site is pink or red in appearance, sore and tender, but not blistered. First-degree burns will heal without treatment. Long-term tissue damage is rare and usually consists of an increase or decrease in the skin color. Example; mild sunburn.
  • Second-degree (partial thickness) burns
  • Second-degree burns involve the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of skin. Skin is a blistered, reddened, swollen, weeping wet surface, and is sensitive to air. Unless it is a deep second degree burn, the wound will heal by itself. Only part of the skin layers has been damaged. Example; a flash fire, hot liquid splashed on skin.
  • Third-degree (full thickness) burns

The effects of burns:


Treatment for burns:


  • your age, overall health, and medical history
  • type, classification, location, and severity of the burn
  • your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
  • expectations for the course of the burn injury
  • your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

  • wound care
  • intravenous (IV) fluids and electrolytes
  • pain management
  • physical therapy
  • occupational therapy
  • skin grafting
  • functional and cosmetic reconstruction