• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
White Glove CareWhite Stone Senior LivingCounty Estates Assisted LivingJones Family Care Home width=
(480) 924-4073 (480) 584-5666 (480) 985-9695
White Glove Care
White Stone Senior Living
Jones Family Care Home
County Estates Assisted Living
  • Home
  • Home
  • Home
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
    • Memory Care
    • Assisted Living
    • Personal Care
    • Directed Care
  • Amenities
  • Testimonials
  • Locations
    • Whitestone Senior Living
    • Jones Family Care Home
    • Country Estates Assisted Living
  • Contact Us
  • Contact Us
  • Contact Us
  • Contact Us

Burns

Back to Patient Education
  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Causes
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment

Introduction

Minor burns are common skin injuries that affect the outer most layers of the skin.  Burns are caused by heat, such as fire, but can occur from several other sources, such as hot liquids, the sun, or certain chemicals.  Minor burns can be treated with first aid at home or outpatient care from a physician.  Severe burns are a medical emergency and require immediate attention.

Back to top

Anatomy

Your skin covers your body and protects it from the environment.  Your skin is composed of three layers, the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.  The epidermis is the outermost layer.  It protects your inner skin layers.  The dermis is the second layer of skin.  It is made up of connective tissue and provides structure.  It is composed of collagen and various elements that give your skin strength and elasticity.  The dermis contains hair cells, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands that secrete oils to hydrate the skin. Subcutaneous tissue is your inner most layer of skin.  Subcutaneous tissue contains fat cells.  The fat cells insulate your body and make your skin appear plump and full. 

Back to top

Causes

There are many causes of burns.  Dry heat, such as fire or a hot object; wet heat, such as boiling water, steam, or hot liquids; radiation, such as from the sun or nuclear radiation; friction, such as rubbing forces with an object; electricity; and certain chemicals can all cause burns.

Back to top

Symptoms

Minor burns can cause reddened skin, pain, and swelling.  The skin may blister and peel.  Severe burns can cause white or blackened and charred skin.  With severe burns, the affected area may feel numb.
Back to top

Diagnosis

Burns are characterized by the degree to which they affect the skin:

First Degree Burns
First Degree Burns only affect the epidermis, the outer layer of skin.  The skin may appear red and is painful.  The skin may appear swollen.
Second Degree Burns
Second Degree Burns affect the first two layers of the skin, the epidermis and the dermis.  In addition to severe pain, swelling, and splotchy redness, second degree burns cause blistering.
Third Degree Burns
Third Degree Burns affect all three layers of the skin.  The skin may appear blackened or charred.  The skin may feel numb. Third Degree Burns require emergency medical treatment.
Fourth Degree Burns
Fourth Degree Burns affect all three layers of the skin and extend beyond the skin to underlying tissues; muscles, nerves, blood vessels or bones.  Fourth Degree Burns require emergency medical treatment.

Back to top

Treatment

People with First or Second Degree Burns should use first aid and consult their doctor.  People with more serious burns should receive emergency medical treatment.  First aid for minor burns includes running cool water over the affected area for five minutes.  Do not use ice, as it may cause frostbite.  Loosely cover the burn with dry sterile gauze.  Take over-the-counter pain relieving medication.  Consult your doctor about appropriate pain relievers for children. 

Recovery from minor burns can take several weeks.  It is important to keep the skin clean and dry.  Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Back to top

Copyright ©  - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

Footer

Patient Education

Patient Education

Empower yourself with knowledge through our patient education resources. Explore and learn more about your healthcare journey with us.

Learn More

Patient Education

Patient Education

Equip yourself with valuable knowledge using our patient education resources. Delve into your healthcare journey and expand your understanding with our informative materials.

Learn More

Patient Education

Patient Education

Empowering you to make well-informed choices for a healthier tomorrow.

Learn More

Patient Education

Patient Education

Access and empower yourself with valuable information through our comprehensive patient education resources.

Learn More

Patient Education
Patient Education
Patient Education
Patient Education
White Glove Care
Whitestone Senior Living
Jones Family Care Home
County Estates Assisted Living
  • Home
  • Home
  • Home
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • Amenities
  • Testimonials
  • Locations
  • Contact Us
  • Contact Us
  • Contact Us
  • Contact Us
  • Space To Jump Sitemap to 3rd Col
  • Sitemap
  • HIPAA Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
Copyright © · Whiteglove Care · All Rights Reserved
iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com

Whiteglove Care is proud to offer three convenient locations in Mesa, AZ, for assisted living, directed care, memory care, and personal care.