Degrees of Burns and First Aid

A burn is an injury where skin cells and soft tissues are damaged or destroyed due to exposure to intense heat, flames, hot water, oil, steam, gas, electricity, chemicals, or toxic substances. Burns are generally classified into four degrees, depending on the depth of tissue damage.

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First-Degree Burns

A first-degree burn affects only the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). It causes redness, localized pain, and a warm sensation, but no blisters. With simple soothing care, the skin usually heals without scarring.

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Second-Degree Burns

A second-degree burn extends deeper into the dermis, causing blisters, redness, severe pain, and heat. At this stage, there is a higher risk of secondary infection and scarring, so proper medical treatment is essential.

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Second-degree burns are further divided into:

• Superficial second-degree burns: Only part of the dermis is affected. If treated promptly, the skin can regenerate naturally from hair follicles within 1–2 weeks, usually without scarring.

• Deep second-degree burns: Most of the dermis is damaged. The skin may look pale and mottled, and pain persists. Healing usually takes 2–4 weeks with regeneration from follicles and sweat glands, but scarring is common. These burns are considered serious and may require skin grafting.

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Third-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns destroy not only the epidermis and dermis but also the subcutaneous fat layer. The skin becomes dry, leathery, and stiff. Because the nerves are damaged, the burn area may lose sensation and no longer feel pain.

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Fourth-Degree Burns

Fourth-degree burns are the most severe. They penetrate through all layers of skin and extend to muscles, tendons, nerves, bones, or even internal organs. Tissue necrosis occurs, leading to permanent loss of function. Amputation, severe disability, secondary infections, or shock can follow, and in some cases, it may be fatal

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Immediate First Aid for Burns

The outcome of a burn depends heavily on how quickly and properly it is treated in the early stages.

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• First-degree burns: Cool the affected area under running cool water (not ice-cold) for at least 20 minutes or until pain subsides. A clean wet towel can also be used. Apply burn ointment afterward. Medical treatment is usually not necessary. Even if cooling is delayed by 1–3 hours, it can still help reduce damage.

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• What NOT to do: Do not apply alcohol, soy paste, lotion, butter, or toothpaste. These can worsen the injury. Avoid removing foreign matter forcefully, as it may cause additional pain and delay healing. Never rub ice directly on the wound—it can further damage tissue.

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• Blisters: Do not puncture them. Open blisters increase the risk of infection and lengthen healing time. They should only be treated by medical professionals under sterile conditions.

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• Seek medical help immediately if:

  • Burns cover a large area

  • Joints (hands, elbows, knees), face, genitals, or buttocks are affected

  • There is smoke inhalation or airway damage during a fire

  • The burn is caused by electric shock (even if no external injury is visible, internal tissue and organs may be severely damaged)

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For burns more severe than second-degree, gently cover the wound with a clean bandage or dry cloth and go to an emergency hospital without delay.

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Final Note

Burns often occur in daily life due to minor carelessness. Regular safety inspections at home and work are essential to prevent fire hazards, electrical accidents, and other risks. Proper awareness and quick response can save lives and minimize long-term damage.

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