Knowledge Centre
Causes of Burns
There are many ways that you can get a burn
Burns can stem from various sources, each capable of inflicting significant pain and damage to the skin and underlying tissues. Whether it’s the searing heat of the sun, the sudden jolt of an electrical current, the corrosive touch of chemicals, the abrasive friction against surfaces, or the insidious effects of radiation, each source poses its own set of risks and challenges.
Thermal Burns
Thermal burns occur when skin comes into contact with heat sources such as
flames, hot objects, steam, or hot liquids. These are the most common type of burns
and can range from mild (first-degree) to severe (third-degree or fourth-degree).
flames, hot objects, steam, or hot liquids. These are the most common type of burns
and can range from mild (first-degree) to severe (third-degree or fourth-degree).
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns occur when the skin or eyes come into contact with strong acids,
alkalis, or other corrosive substances. These burns can be deceptive as damage
continues as long as the chemical remains in contact with the skin, even if there's
little initial pain.
alkalis, or other corrosive substances. These burns can be deceptive as damage
continues as long as the chemical remains in contact with the skin, even if there's
little initial pain.
Friction Burns
Friction burns, also known as abrasions, occur when skin is rubbed forcefully against a rough surface. These injuries combine an abrasion (scraping away of the top layers of skin) with a heat burn caused by friction.
Liquid Burns
Liquid burns (often called scalds) occur when hot liquids or steam come into contact with the skin. These burns are particularly common in home settings, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, and are the most common burn injury in children.
Sun Burn
Sunburn occurs when the skin is overexposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. It’s a radiation burn that damages the DNA in skin cells, increasing the risk of skin cancer over time.
Electrical Burns
Electrical burns occur when an electric current passes through the body, causing internal and external damage. These burns are often more severe than they appear on the surface as electricity can cause extensive internal injury to muscles, organs, and tissues.
Remember if in doubt, Call 111 Immediately!
In a burns emergency when unsure, calling 111 is crucial. Whether it’s a minor first-degree burn or a severe third-degree burn, trained operators can provide immediate guidance on how to assess the situation and administer first aid. They’ll advise on cooling the burn, covering it appropriately, and whether further medical attention is necessary. Don’t hesitate; swift action can make a significant difference in the outcome of a burn injury.
Treating a Burn
Some basic first aid to use when you get a burn
Step 1
Cool
Cool the Burn
Running the burn under cool water for 20 minutes stops the burning process from continuing. If it is a chemical burn, ensure that you check out the chemical will not react with water.
Step 2
Remove
Remove Clothing & Jewllery
When burns occour, so does swelling. Tight clothing and restrictive clothing restrict the burnt area from being able to swell.These items may also be contaminated with chemicals or hot liquids.
Step 3
Cover
Cover the Burn!
If you have burn gel, apply to the burn and then cover with cling wrap except for facial injurys. Do not use sticky wrap or clothing as these can stick to the burn and cause greater injury.
Step 4
Seek
Seek Medical Treatment
It is important to find out how severe the burns are and how deep it has gone. Get to the closest accident and emergency or hospital to get professional help for the type of burn you have received.
Step 1
Cool
Cool the Burn
Running the burn under cool water for 20 minutes stops the burning process from continuing. If it is a chemical burn, ensure that you check out the chemical will not react with water.
Step 2
Remove
Remove Clothing & Jewllery
When burns occour, so does swelling. Tight clothing and restrictive clothing restrict the burnt area from being able to swell.These items may also be contaminated with chemicals or hot liquids.
Step 3
Cover
Cover the Burn!
If you have burn gel, apply to the burn and then cover with cling wrap except for facial injurys. Do not use sticky wrap or clothing as these can stick to the burn and cause greater injury.
Step 4
Seek
Seek Medical Treatment
It is important to find out how severe the burns are and how deep it has gone. Get to the closest accident and emergency or hospital to get professional help for the type of burn you have received.
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Grading a Burn
How do you grade a burn and what does that mean?
Burns can stem from various sources, each capable of inflicting significant pain and damage to the skin and underlying tissues. Whether it’s the searing heat of the sun, the sudden jolt of an electrical current, the corrosive touch of chemicals, the abrasive friction against surfaces, or the insidious effects of radiation, each source poses its own set of risks and challenges.
First Degree Burns
First-degree burns, also known as superficial burns, are the mildest form of burns, affecting only the outer layer of the skin, called the epidermis. They typically result from brief contact with a heat source, such as hot liquids, steam, or a sunburn. Symptoms of first-degree burns include redness, pain, and mild swelling. These burns usually heal within a few days to a week without causing blistering or scarring. Treatment usually involves applying cool water or aloe vera gel to soothe the affected area, taking over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary, and keeping the burn clean and protected from further irritation. If the burn covers a large area of the body, is located on sensitive areas like the face, hands, feet, or genitals, or if there are signs of infection, it’s important to seek medical attention.
Second Degree Burn
Second-degree burns are more serious than first-degree burns and affect both the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and the underlying layer of skin (dermis). These burns can result from exposure to flames, hot liquids, steam, or chemicals. Symptoms include blistering, severe pain, swelling, and redness. There are two types of second-degree burns:
Third Degree Burn
Third-degree burns, also known as full-thickness burns, are the most severe type of burn injury. These burns damage all layers of the skin, as well as underlying tissues such as fat, muscles, and even bones. They can result from exposure to flames, hot liquids, chemicals, electricity, or prolonged contact with extremely hot objects.
Symptoms of third-degree burns include:
Skin that appears white, blackened, or charred.
A leathery or waxy texture to the skin.
Numbness in the burned area due to nerve damage.
Severe pain or no pain if nerve endings are destroyed.