Burns: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention in One Complete Guide

4 days ago

14 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: September 2026

Editorial note: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Deep, widespread, chemical, and electrical burns are medical emergencies — always seek professional care, and call 911 for severe burns. Last updated: August 2026.

TL;DR

Burns are tissue damage from heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or the sun. They range from minor sunburns treatable at home to life-threatening emergencies requiring specialized burn centers. First- and second-degree burns usually heal within a couple of weeks; third-degree burns often need skin grafts. Cool minor burns under cool (not cold) running water for 10–20 minutes, never break blisters, and call 911 for burns that are deep, larger than 3 inches, or caused by chemicals, electricity, or smoke inhalation.

Quick Answer

A burn is tissue damage from heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or UV light. Burns come in three degrees based on depth: first-degree affects only the outer skin layer, second-degree involves the deeper dermis and blisters, and third-degree destroys all skin layers and may cause little pain because nerves are damaged. Cool minor burns under cool running water for 10–20 minutes and cover them loosely. Call 911 for deep, large, or chemical and electrical burns, or burns that affect the face, hands, feet, groin, or a major joint.

What is a burn?

A burn is tissue damage that results from too much sun, hot liquids, flames, chemicals, electricity, steam, and other sources [1]. Burns can be minor medical problems or life-threatening emergencies.

Your skin has three layers. These layers house sweat and oil glands, hair follicles, pigment cells called melanocytes, and blood vessels [1]. The depth of the damage determines the burn's degree and its treatment.

The treatment of burns depends on where they are on the body and how bad they are. Sunburns and small scalds can often be treated with first aid. Deep or widespread burns and chemical or electrical burns need medical care right away. Some people need treatment at specialized burn centers and monthslong follow-up care [1].

How common are burns?

Burns are one of the most common injuries worldwide. Researchers who compared U.S. health datasets estimated that roughly 600,000 people per year in the United States suffer a burn injury that merits emergency care [5] [6].

Data source (year)	What it counted	Estimate
CDC emergency department survey (2021)	Fire or burn-related injuries	398,000
CDC emergency department survey (2021)	Injuries from hot objects or substances (contact burns)	252,000
CDC WISQARS database (2020)	Fatal burn injuries	3,529
CDC WISQARS database (2020)	Non-fatal burn injuries	287,926
National emergency department sample (2020)	ED visits for burns	438,185
U.S. hospital admissions sample (2020)	Burn hospital admissions per year	29,165

What are the degrees of burns?

Burn symptoms vary depending on how deep the skin damage is. It can take a day or two for the symptoms of a severe burn to fully develop [1].

Degree	Also called	Layers affected	Appearance and symptoms	Healing and scarring
First-degree	Superficial burn	Outer layer (epidermis) only	Pain, redness, or other skin color change	Usually heals in days; low scarring risk
Second-degree	Partial-thickness burn	Epidermis + dermis	Swelling, red/white or splotchy skin, blisters, terrible pain; often looks wet or moist	May scar, especially deep second-degree
Third-degree	Full-thickness burn	All skin layers, sometimes fat and muscle	Black, brown, or white; leathery; little or no pain because nerves are destroyed	Often needs skin grafts to close the wound

What are the symptoms of each burn degree?

First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin, called the epidermis. They may cause pain and redness or other changes in skin color [1]. A typical sunburn is a first-degree burn.

Second-degree burns affect both the epidermis and the second layer of skin, called the dermis. They may cause swelling and red, white, or splotchy skin. Blisters may develop, and pain can be terrible. Deep second-degree burns can cause scarring [1]. These burns often look wet or moist [1].

Third-degree burns involve all of the layers of skin and sometimes the fat and muscle tissue under the skin. Burned areas may be black, brown, or white, and the skin may look leathery. Third-degree burns can destroy nerves, so there may be little or no pain [1].

The lack of pain in a deep burn is a warning sign, not a reassuring one — it means the nerve endings in that area have been destroyed.

What causes burns?

Burns are caused by [1]:

Fire.
Hot liquid or steam (scalds).
Hot metal, glass, or other objects (contact burns).
Electrical currents.
Nonsolar radiation, such as X-rays or radiation therapy for cancer.
Sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet radiation, such as tanning beds.
Chemicals such as strong acids, lye, paint thinner, or gasoline.
Abuse.

Who is at higher risk of burns?

Certain groups and situations raise the odds of burn injury [1]:

Risk factor	Why it raises risk
Workplace exposure	People who work outdoors or with flames, chemicals, and burn-causing substances are at increased risk; most burns occur in adults
Dementia	Older adults with dementia are more likely to have burns from too-hot tap water, hot drinks, food fats, and cooking oils
Being very young	Young children cannot get away from heat sources or flames; burns often come from kitchen, car seat, and bath hazards
Alcohol and substances	Risk rises among people who drink alcohol or use substances that impair judgment

The pattern of burn types varies by age and setting. According to a summary of U.S. burn center admissions, 46% of burns are caused by flame or flash and 58% involve scalds, which make up most pediatric cases; 61% of burn incidents happen at private residences [4].

When should you call 911 for a burn?

Some burns are emergencies that need immediate professional care. Call 911 or seek immediate care for [1]:

Burns that may be deep, involving all layers of the skin.
Burns that make the skin dry and leathery.
Burns that look charred or have patches of white, brown, or black.
Burns larger than 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) wide.
Burns that cover the hands, feet, face, neck, groin, buttocks, or a major joint, or that encircle an arm or a leg.
Difficulty breathing after breathing in smoke or fumes.
Headache or nausea after exposure to fire and smoke.
Burns that begin swelling very quickly.
Major burns caused by chemicals, gunpowder, or an explosion.
Electrical burns, including those caused by lightning.
A sunburn with a fever greater than 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius) and vomiting.
An infection over a sunburned area.
A sunburn with confusion or passing out.
A sunburn with dehydration.

Take first-aid measures while waiting for emergency assistance. A minor burn might still need emergency care if it affects the eyes, mouth, hands, or genitals. Babies and older adults might need emergency care even for minor burns [1].

If any of these signs are present, do not wait to see whether the burn improves — apply first aid while emergency help is on the way [2].

When should you call your doctor (but not 911)?

Contact your healthcare professional if you experience [1]:

Signs of infection, such as oozing and streaks from the wound, plus fever.
A burn or blister wider than 2 inches (about 5 centimeters) that does not heal in two weeks.
New symptoms that cannot be explained.
Any burn if you also have a history of diabetes.

You should also ask whether you need a tetanus booster. You may need a booster shot if you have not had a tetanus shot in the past five years — try to get it within three days of the injury [1].

What are the complications of burns?

Complications of deep or widespread burns can be serious and can develop even after the initial injury is treated [1]:

Complication	What it is
Infection	Examples include bacterial infection, tetanus, and pneumonia
Fluid loss	Low blood volume, also called hypovolemia
Hypothermia	Dangerously low body temperature
Breathing problems	Can occur after taking in hot air or smoke
Irregular heartbeats	Called arrhythmias; can occur after electrical burns
Scars and skin color changes	Overgrowth of scar tissue (hypertrophic scars or keloids); people with darker skin have an increased risk; healed skin can be lighter or darker than surrounding skin
Pain and nerve problems	Burn scars can be painful; damaged nerves can cause itching, numbness, or tingling
Bone and joint problems	Scar tissue can shorten and tighten skin, muscles, or tendons — called a contracture
Depression and anxiety	Serious burns take an emotional toll
Skin cancer	Can develop in scars from previous burns; get any non-healing sore in an old burn scar checked

How are burns treated at home?

Most minor burns can be treated at home and usually heal within a couple of weeks [2]. For minor burns, follow these first-aid guidelines [2]:

Prevent further harm. Move away from whatever caused the burn. For sunburn, get out of the sun.
Cool the burn. Hold the area under cool — not cold — running water for 10 to 20 minutes. If this is not possible or the burn is on the face, apply a cool, wet cloth until the pain eases. For a mouth burn from hot food or drink, hold a piece of ice in the mouth for a few minutes.
Remove rings or other tight items. Do this quickly and gently, before the burned area swells.
Apply lotion. After the burn is cooled, apply a lotion such as one with aloe vera or cocoa butter. This prevents drying and provides relief.
Bandage the burn. Cover it with a clean bandage, wrapped loosely to avoid pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the area, reduces pain, and protects blistered skin.
Take a pain reliever if needed. Over-the-counter ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help lessen pain.

Whether your burn was minor or serious, use sunscreen and moisturizer regularly once the wound has healed [2].

What should you NOT do with a burn?

Several common home remedies actually make burns worse. Do not do the following [2]:

Do not use cold water to cool the burn.
Do not break blisters. Blisters help protect against infection. If a blister does break, gently clean the area with water and, if you wish, liquid soap. Apply an antibiotic ointment — and stop using it if a rash appears.
Do not use a fluffy cotton bandage.
Do not apply ointments, grease, butter, or pain-killing lotions.
Do not try to remove clothing stuck in the burn.

What is the first aid for a major burn?

For major burns, apply first aid until emergency help arrives [2]:

Protect the burned person from further harm. Make sure they are no longer in contact with the source of the burn.
Make sure the person is breathing. If needed, begin rescue breathing if you know how.
Remove jewelry, belts, and other tight items, especially from the burned area and the neck. Burned areas swell quickly.
Cover the burn. Loosely cover the area with gauze or a clean cloth.
Raise the burned area. Lift the wound above heart level if possible.
Watch for symptoms of shock. These include cool, clammy skin, weak pulse, and shallow breathing.

How do doctors assess a burn?

If you go to a healthcare professional for burn treatment, the professional figures out how bad the burn is by examining your skin. You may be transferred to a burn center if the burn covers more than 10% of your total body surface area, is very deep, is on the face, feet, or groin, or meets other criteria [2].

Your healthcare professional also checks for other injuries and might order lab tests, X-rays, or other diagnostic tests [2].

What treatments are available for serious burns?

For major burns, after first aid and after a healthcare professional evaluates the burns, treatment may involve one or more of the following: medicines, wound dressings, therapy, and surgery. The goals of treatment are to control pain, remove dead tissue, prevent infection, lower scarring risk, and restore function [2].

People with major burns may require treatment at specialized burn centers. They may need skin grafts to cover large wounds, and they may need emotional support and months of follow-up care, such as physical therapy [2].

Treatment	What it involves
Water-based treatments	Techniques such as whirlpool baths help remove dead tissue
IV fluids	Prevent dehydration and organ failure
Pain and anxiety medicines	Morphine and anti-anxiety medicine, especially during bandage changes
Burn creams and ointments	Products such as bacitracin and silver sulfadiazine prevent infection and prepare the wound to close
Specialty dressings	Various wound dressings prepare the wound to heal; a patient being transferred to a burn center will likely be covered in dry gauze only
IV antibiotics	Used if an infection develops
Tetanus shot	Often recommended after a burn injury

What surgery might a serious burn need?

Surgery for major burns can include several procedures [2]:

Breathing assistance. Burns on the face or neck can cause the throat to swell shut. If that appears likely, a doctor may insert a tube down the windpipe (trachea) to keep oxygen supplied to the lungs.
Feeding tube. People with burns over a large area, or who are undernourished, may need nutritional support through a tube threaded through the nose to the stomach.
Easing blood flow (escharotomy). If a burn scab, called eschar, goes completely around a limb, it can tighten and cut off blood flow. An eschar around the chest can make it hard to breathe. A healthcare professional may cut the eschar to ease this pressure.
Skin grafts. A skin graft uses sections of the patient's own healthy skin to replace the scar tissue caused by deep burns. Donor skin from deceased donors or pigs can be used temporarily.

What is physical therapy for after a burn?

If the burned area is large or covers any joints, you may need physical therapy exercises. These help stretch the skin so that the joints remain flexible. Other exercises can improve muscle strength and coordination. Occupational therapy may help if you have difficulty doing your daily activities [2].

How can you prevent burns at home?

Burns are very common, and most of them are preventable. Kitchen-related injuries from hot drinks, soups, and microwaved foods are especially common among children. You can take steps to reduce the risk of household burns [1].

Kitchen, car seat, and bath hazards

Never leave items cooking on the stove unattended.
Turn pot handles toward the rear of the stove, or cook on the back burners.
Do not carry or hold a child while cooking at the stove.
Keep hot liquids out of the reach of children and pets.
Check the temperature of food before serving it to a child. Do not heat a baby's bottle in the microwave.
Never cook while wearing loose-fitting clothes — they could catch fire over the stove.
If small children are present, block their access to heat sources such as stoves, outdoor grills, and fireplaces.
Before placing a child in a car seat, check for hot straps or buckles.
Set your water heater's thermostat to below 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48.9 degrees Celsius) to prevent scalding. Older adults and young children are at increased risk of burns from tap water. Always test bathwater before using it [1].

Electrical devices

Unplug irons, space heaters, and similar devices when not in use, and store them out of reach of small children.
Keep electrical appliances away from water.
Cover unused electrical outlets with safety caps.
Keep electrical cords and wires out of the way so children cannot chew on them [1].

Fire prevention

If you smoke, quit. If you do not quit, never smoke in bed.
Blow out candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Have working smoke detectors on each floor of your home. Check them and change their batteries at least once a year.
Keep a fire extinguisher handy and learn how to use it [1].

Chemical hazards

When using chemicals, always wear protective eyewear and clothing.
Keep chemicals, lighters, and matches out of the reach of children. Use safety latches, and do not use lighters that look like toys [1].

Prevention zone	Top three actions
Kitchen and bath	Turn pot handles in, test bathwater temperature, set water heater below 120°F (48.9°C)
Electrical	Unplug devices when unused, keep appliances away from water, cap outlets
Fire	Quit smoking or never smoke in bed, extinguish candles, check smoke detectors yearly
Chemicals	Wear protective eyewear and clothing, use safety latches, avoid toy-shaped lighters

What is life like after a serious burn?

Coping with a serious burn injury can be a challenge, especially if the burn covers large areas of the body or is in places readily seen by others, such as the face or hands. Potential scarring, reduced mobility, and possible surgeries add to the burden [2].

Consider joining a support group of other people who have had serious burns. Sharing your experience with people who face similar challenges can bring real comfort. Ask your healthcare professional for information on support groups in your area or online [2].

How do you prepare for a doctor's appointment about a burn?

Seek emergency medical care for burns that are deep or involve the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, a major joint, or a large area of the body. Your healthcare team may recommend an exam by a skin specialist, burn specialist, or surgeon [2].

Questions you can ask your healthcare professional [2]:

Do I need treatment for the burn?
What are my treatment options and the pros and cons of each?
What are the alternatives to the primary approach you are suggesting?
Can I wait to see if the burn heals on its own?
Do I need prescription medicine, or can I use nonprescription medicines?
What results can I expect?
What skin care routines do you recommend while the burn heals?
What kind of follow-up will I need?
What changes in my skin might I expect to see as it heals?

What your doctor will ask you [2]:

How did the burn occur?
Do you have other symptoms?
Do you have other health conditions, such as diabetes?
What at-home burn treatments have you used?
Have you noticed any changes in the appearance of the burn?

The bottom line

Burns are common, and most are preventable — yet they remain a significant cause of injury worldwide, with about 180,000 burn deaths globally each year, the vast majority in low- and middle-income countries [7].

The practical rules are simple. For minor burns, cool the area under cool running water for 10–20 minutes, cover it loosely, and let blisters stay intact. Never use ice water, grease, butter, or fluffy cotton. For anything deep, larger than 3 inches, or involving the face, hands, feet, groin, or a joint — and for every chemical, electrical, and smoke-inhalation burn — get emergency care immediately.

If you are unsure how serious your burn is, treat it as serious and get it checked. A burn center can make the difference between healing with minimal scarring and months of complications.

Know your burn. Treat it right. When in doubt, get it checked — and save this guide for the moment you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three degrees of burns?

First-degree burns affect only the outer skin layer (epidermis) and cause pain and redness. Second-degree burns involve the dermis too, often blister and look wet, and can scar. Third-degree burns destroy all skin layers, look black, brown, white, or leathery, and may cause little pain because the nerves are destroyed [1].

How do I treat a minor burn at home?

Move away from the heat source, then cool the burn under cool (not cold) running water for 10 to 20 minutes. Remove rings or tight items before swelling, apply a lotion with aloe vera or cocoa butter after cooling, and cover with a clean, loose bandage. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen if needed [2].

Should I break a burn blister?

No. Blisters help protect against infection. If a blister does break on its own, gently clean the area with water and, if you wish, liquid soap, then apply an antibiotic ointment. Stop using the ointment if a rash appears [2].

When is a burn a 911 emergency?

Call 911 for burns that are deep or involve all skin layers; are larger than 3 inches (8 cm); affect the hands, feet, face, neck, groin, buttocks, or a major joint; were caused by chemicals, gunpowder, electricity, or an explosion; or come with smoke-inhalation symptoms such as difficulty breathing, headache, or nausea [1].

How long does it take for a burn to heal?

Minor burns usually heal within a couple of weeks. Deep or widespread burns often need specialized care, wound dressings, physical therapy, and sometimes skin grafts, and recovery can take months [1] [2].

Is it true that third-degree burns hurt less?

Yes — third-degree burns destroy the nerves in the burned area, so there may be little or no pain in the deepest part of the wound. That is why a painless, leathery, white or charred area is a sign of a very serious burn that needs emergency care [1].

Can old burn scars turn into skin cancer?

It is rare, but skin cancer can sometimes develop in scars from previous burns. Contact your healthcare professional if you notice a sore that is not healing within an old burn scar [1].

Do I need a tetanus shot after a burn?

You may need a tetanus booster if you have not had a tetanus shot in the past five years. If so, try to get the booster within three days of the injury [1].