Burns can be described as damage to the skin caused by chemical, radiation, thermal or electrical contact. Injury results from overheating of the skin, which damages skin tissue to varying degrees, sometimes including underlying structures.

Your skin is your largest organ. It protects underlying structures from moisture loss and damage, protects us from infection and helps us regulate body temperature. Our skin is also a sensory organ, allowing us to feel pressure and pain, for example. When our skin is damaged, we may lose our ability to fight infection, lose sensation to the area of skin damaged and lose fluids in large amounts.

Burns can be very painful. This is because our skin is very vascular, with many nerves and blood vessels. When our skin is burned, we feel a lot of pain, unless the burn is so severe that the nerves themselves are damaged. This often occurs in third degree burns.

Burns are categorized according to the extent and depth of the burn. First degree burns are mild, affecting only the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. Although they may be painful, these burns heal quickly without scarring. Second degree burns are deeper, affecting the epidermis and the dermis to varying degrees. Many second degree burns require grafting and will leave scars. Third degree burns are the most severe burns, extending down into the subcutaneous tissue. They may even extend even further, affecting bone, muscles and other structures. These burns always require surgical closure and will leave some scarring behind, sometimes very severe scarring. These burns may cause permanent disfigurement.

Most second degree burns and all third degree burns should be seen by a physician, as they will likely require extensive treatment. When large amounts of skin are burned, the victim can lose massive amounts of fluids which must be replaced to avoid dehydration and shock. Pain may be severe and will be addressed aggressively. Infection is always a risk with burns and victims will be monitored closely. Burns will be dressed and surgical consultation will be ordered if necessary. When victims are burned in a fire, their airway may also be compromised due to smoke inhalation and they will need to be monitored for breathing complications.

First degree burns (sunburn is a good example of this type of burn) can often be managed at home. Flushing or cooling the area with cool running water or cold compresses will ease pain and cool the burn down. No other treatment is necessary, although some people chose to use over-the-counter salves or ointment to soothe the discomfort of first degree burns.

Burns are common injuries that result when skin is damaged by contact with thermal heat sources, radiation, electricity or chemicals. They are classified as first, second or third degree burns based on the extent and depth of tissue damage. Most second degree and all third degree burns should be assessed by a physician immediately after the injury has occurred. Pain, scarring, infection and dehydration are some of the common complications of severe burns.