Burn Types

Burns are physical injuries that occur as a result of heat, radiation, electricity, or certain chemicals.  They are painful and often dangerous.

The most common type of burn is from the sun (minor) or fire (major).

Superficial Burn (1st Degree)


The Superficial Burn is considered a minor injury.  It only damages the uppermost layers of skin (epidermis).  It produces pink markings (think of a sunburn) with mild swelling, tenderness, and pain.

General causes include the sun, steam, heat, and flame.

Superficial 1st Degree burns typically heal by themselves in a matter of days.

First aid includes application of cold water to the affected site, and application of aloe vera if growing in the woods.


Partial Thickness (2nd Degree) Burn


The Partial Thickness burn is more severe than the 1st Degree burn.  It damages both the epidermis as well as the underlying dermal layer.  This type of burn produces blisters and red marks on the skin, and will generally scar.  They swell, and are generally very painful.

General causes include hot liquid and flame.

First aid includes application of cold water and application of aloe vera if growing in the woods.  If significant body percentages or major partial thickness injury is present, medical attention will be required, as sepsis can set in.


Full Thickness (3rd Degree) Burn


Full Thickness burns are the most dangerous.  All layers of the skin are destroyed, and internal parts of the body may be exposed.  This may be accompanied by intense pain, or in some cases, mild pain as nerves are burned away.  The full thickness burn leaves skin blackened or even whitish in color, and this type of burn requires immediate medical attention.