🌡️ What Is a Burn?

A **burn** is a type of injury to the skin or deeper tissues caused by **heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight, or radiation**. Depending on how severe the burn is, it can damage just the outer skin layer or reach deeper muscles, bones, and blood vessels.

Your skin is your body’s first line of defense — it protects you from infections, helps regulate body temperature, and prevents fluid loss. When it gets burned, these functions are affected, which is why proper care is so important.

🔥 Types and Degrees of Burns

Doctors classify burns based on how deep the damage goes. There are three main degrees of burns, and each has different symptoms and treatments.

1. First-Degree Burns (Superficial Burns)

• Affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis).
• Skin becomes red, dry, and painful, but no blisters.
• Common examples: mild sunburn, brief contact with hot water or objects.
• Healing time: Usually within 3–6 days without scarring.
• Home care: Cool water compress, aloe vera gel, and hydration.

2. Second-Degree Burns (Partial Thickness Burns)

• Affect both the outer layer (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis).
• Skin looks red, **blistered, swollen**, and very painful.
• Clear fluid may leak from the blistered areas.
• Healing time: Around 2–3 weeks, sometimes with minor scarring.
• Home care: Keep clean, avoid bursting blisters, apply burn ointment or aloe vera.

3. Third-Degree Burns (Full Thickness Burns)

• Affect all layers of the skin and sometimes the tissue underneath.
• The burned area may appear white, black, brown, or leathery.
• Surprisingly, **less pain** may be felt because nerve endings are destroyed.
• Requires immediate medical care or hospitalization.
• Healing often involves skin grafts and surgeries.

⚡ Common Causes of Burns

Burns can occur in many ways, not just from fire. Here are the main causes:

• Thermal Burns – Caused by contact with hot objects, boiling liquids, steam, or flames.
• Chemical Burns – Result from contact with strong acids or alkalis (e.g., cleaning products, bleach).
• Electrical Burns – Occur when electric current passes through the body.
• Radiation Burns – Caused by overexposure to the sun (**sunburn**) or radiation therapy.
• Friction Burns – Happen when skin rubs against a rough surface, like falling on a road.
• Cold Burns (Frostbite) – Caused by extreme cold damaging skin and tissue.

🚑 First Aid for Burns: What to Do and What Not to Do

Immediate care can make a big difference in how well a burn heals. **Remember: Cool water is key!**

✅ What to Do (Immediate First Aid)

• Cool the burn – Run cool (not cold) water over the burned area for 10–20 minutes.
• Remove tight items – Take off rings, bracelets, or tight clothing near the burn before swelling starts.
• Cover it gently – Use a clean, non-stick bandage or cloth.
• Take pain relief – Over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help.
• Stay hydrated – Drink enough water to prevent dehydration.

❌ What Not to Do (Critical Don'ts)

• ❌ **Don’t apply ice directly** — it can worsen tissue damage.
• ❌ **Don’t use toothpaste, butter, or oil** — they trap heat and increase infection risk.
• ❌ **Don’t burst blisters** — they protect the skin from infection.
• ❌ **Don’t peel off burnt clothing stuck to the skin** — get medical help immediately.

🏥 When to See a Doctor

You should seek **immediate medical attention** if:

• The burn is **larger than 3 inches** or affects the face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints.
• The burn looks **white, charred, or leathery** (Third-Degree).
• You suspect **electrical or chemical burns**.
• There are signs of **infection** (pus, swelling, fever).
• The person has **trouble breathing** after a fire.

🌿 Home Remedies for Minor Burns

For small, first-degree burns, you can try safe, natural home remedies:

• Aloe Vera Gel – Has cooling and healing properties; apply directly on the burn.
• Honey – Natural antibacterial agent that helps reduce infection and promotes healing.
• Cool Compress – Apply a clean, cool cloth to the area for relief.
• Coconut Oil – After initial healing, use virgin coconut oil to keep skin moisturized.
• Oatmeal Bath – Helps soothe itching as the burn heals.
• Vitamin E Oil – Can reduce scarring once the skin starts to heal.

🧠 Myths and Facts About Burns

🧯 Prevention Tips: How to Stay Safe from Burns

Prevention is always better than cure! Here are simple safety tips:

At Home Safety

• Keep **hot drinks, pots, and pans** out of children’s reach.
• **Turn pot handles** toward the back of the stove.
• Install **smoke detectors** and check batteries regularly.
• Unplug electrical appliances when not in use.
• Store chemicals safely and label them properly.

Outdoors Safety

• Apply **sunscreen** to prevent sunburn.
• Wear protective gear when near flames or chemicals.
• Know the **STOP, DROP, and ROLL** technique if clothes catch fire.

🧩 Key Takeaways

• Burns can range from mild redness to life-threatening injuries.
• Cool water, not ice, is the best first aid for minor burns.
• Never use toothpaste, butter, or oils on fresh burns.
• Seek medical help for **large, deep, or infected burns**.
• Prevention through safety measures is the best protection.