Ailments and Situations - Burns - Causes and What to Expect

Causes:

Burns are caused by exposure to an intolerable heat source, chemical, or electrical current. First-degree burns are the most common, resulting from typical household accidents with a hot appliance. Second-degree burns can result from excess long-term sun exposure or increased duration with a hot household appliance. Third-degree burns typically result from fires or prolonged exposure to a hot household appliance.

 
What to Expect:

First and second-degree burns are usually quite painful, but the pain can be relieved via many of the remedies below. The dead skin layers of first-degree burns slough off and the top layer of skin (epidermis) heals, covering the layers below. Epidermis typically grows quickly. First-degree burns do not destroy the deepest skin layer (dermis), which does not regenerate. First-degree burns rarely cause scarring, while second-degree burns may leave behind evidence of their presence.

Second and most third-degree burns involving injury to the dermis heal slowly. Epidermal tissue grows slowly from the edges of the burned area and any remaining epidermis. The burned area contracts, distorts the skin, and interferes with normal skin function.

Third-degree burns require immediate medical attention and will result in permanent scarring. A lack of pain is due to nerve ending damage.