Burns — Emergency Care: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Burns are injuries caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, or radiation. They are classified by severity: first-degree (superficial), second-degree (partial thickness), and third-degree (full thickness). Severe burns, including those on the face, hands, feet, or genitals, require emergency medical care. Cool minor burns with cool water and cover them with a sterile dressing. Seek immediate help for large burns, chemical burns, or electrical burns.

In plain words

Burns are injuries to the skin caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, or radiation. They can range from mild to severe. First-degree burns cause redness and pain. Second-degree burns cause blisters and swelling. Third-degree burns are the most serious and can damage all skin layers. Severe burns need emergency care, especially if they are on the face, hands, feet, or genitals. For minor burns, cool the area with cool water and cover it with a clean bandage. Get help right away for burns caused by chemicals, electricity, or fire.

What is Burns — Emergency Care: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment?

Burns are injuries caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, or radiation. They are classified by severity: first-degree (superficial), second-degree (partial thickness), and third-degree (full thickness). Severe burns, including those on the face, hands, feet, or genitals, require emergency medical care. Cool minor burns with cool water and cover them with a sterile dressing. Seek immediate help for large burns, chemical burns, or electrical burns.

Symptoms

Early symptoms

  • Redness and mild swelling: First-degree burns affect the outer layer of skin, causing redness, pain, and mild swelling. (3) (5)
  • Pain and tenderness: Burns cause pain and tenderness in the affected area, varying in intensity based on severity. (3)
  • Blisters: Second-degree burns lead to blisters, severe pain, and swelling as they affect deeper skin layers. (3) (5)
  • Dry, peeling skin: As burns heal, the skin may become dry and start to peel away. (3)

Serious or emergency symptoms

  • Charred or white skin: Third-degree burns destroy all skin layers and may appear charred or white. (1) (3)
  • Lack of pain in burned area: Severe burns may damage nerves, leading to a lack of pain in the affected area. (1)
  • Swelling or infection: Signs of infection include increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever. (3)
  • Burns on face, hands, feet, or genitals: Burns in these areas require immediate medical attention due to potential complications. (1) (6)

Causes

Primary causes

  • Heat: Direct contact with hot objects, liquids, steam, or flames. (1)
  • Electricity: Electrical currents can cause severe burns and internal damage. (1)
  • Chemicals: Acids, alkalis, or other corrosive substances. (1)
  • Radiation: Exposure to ultraviolet light or radiation therapy. (1)

Risk factors

Working with heat or chemicals

Occupations involving hot objects, chemicals, or electricity increase burn risk. (1)

Lack of fire safety measures

Unsafe cooking, heating, or electrical practices can lead to burns. (1)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves assessing the burn's depth, size, and location. Healthcare providers examine the skin and ask about the cause of the burn to determine the severity and appropriate treatment.

Visual examination

To assess the burn's depth, size, and appearance. (3)

Patient history

To understand the cause of the burn and any underlying conditions. (3)

Treatment

Medication options

Pain relievers

To manage pain and inflammation from burns. (4)

Antibiotics (if infected)

To treat or prevent infections in burn wounds. (4)

Lifestyle and self-care

  • Cooling the burn: Cool minor burns with cool (not cold) water for 10-20 minutes. (2) (4)
  • Covering the burn: Use a sterile, non-stick dressing to protect the burn. (2)
  • Avoiding irritants: Do not apply ice, butter, or ointments to burns. (2) (4)

Always discuss dosing and treatment changes with your own prescriber.

Possible complications

  • Infection: Burns can become infected, leading to redness, swelling, and fever. (3)
  • Scarring: Severe burns may result in permanent scarring. (3)
  • Loss of function: Burns over joints or muscles can limit movement. (3)

When to see a doctor

Routine follow-up

  • See a doctor if burns do not heal within two weeks or show signs of infection. (6) (4)

Seek emergency care

  • Seek emergency care for burns on the face, hands, feet, or genitals. (1) (6)
  • Call 911 (or your local emergency number) for burns caused by chemicals or electricity. (1)

Frequently asked questions

What are the signs of a serious burn?

Signs of a serious burn include charred skin, white or leathery appearance, lack of pain, and burns covering a large area or involving the face, hands, feet, or genitals. (1) (3)

What should I do for a minor burn?

Cool the burn with cool (not cold) water for 10-20 minutes and cover it with a sterile, non-stick dressing. Avoid ice, butter, or creams. (2) (4)

How quickly should I seek help for a burn?

Seek emergency care immediately for deep burns, burns covering a large area, or burns caused by chemicals or electricity. (1) (6)

What happens at the hospital for burns?

At the hospital, healthcare providers assess burn severity, clean the wound, and apply specialized dressings. Severe burns may require IV fluids, pain management, and surgery. (6)

References

  1. CDC — Burn Prevention source 1
  2. NHS — Burns and Scalds Treatment source 2
  3. NHS — Burns and Scalds Symptoms source 3
  4. Mayo Clinic — Burns First Aid source 4
  5. CDC — Burn Classification source 5
  6. NHS — When to Go to A&E source 6