Burn Treatment

Damage to the skin and other deep body tissues caused by heat, electricity, chemical substances and radiation is defined as a burn.

Medically, a burn is the loss of viability of the skin due to high heat. Burns can occur at home from contact with hot water, hot oil, hot milk or steam, contact with hot solid objects, contact with chemicals such as acids or alkalis, electric current, or radiation.

First-degree burns (epidermal burns)

First-degree burns are superficial burns. They affect the top layer of the skin, called the epidermis. Swelling (edema) may occur, but there are usually no blisters (bullae) on the skin. The wound is red, dry and painful. It heals quickly without leaving a scar. Sunburns fall into the category of first-degree burns.

Second-degree burns

These also affect part of the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin. Blisters, which we call “bullae,” form. These burns are mostly caused by scalding with hot water or by contact with a flame or hot object. Tissue damage is greater than in first-degree burns; they are very painful and prone to infection. They heal in 2–3 weeks with dressings. Surgical treatment methods may sometimes be used.

Third-degree burns

These are burns that affect the entire skin (all of its layers). The sense of pain in the skin is lost, and the color of the burned area changes from pinkish-red to brown and whitish or yellowish. They cannot heal on their own; treatment by a physician and medication are always required.