Health Information

Burns

  • Classification of Burns
  • Burns Overview

    Burns are a type of injury caused by thermal, electrical, chemical, or electromagnetic energy. Most burn accidents occur at home.

  • Classification and Treatment of Burns

    Burns are classified as first-, second-, or third-degree, depending on how deep and severe they penetrate the skin's surface.

  • Chemical Burns

    Chemical burns can occur when strong acids or alkalies come in contact with the skin and/or the eyes.

  • Electrical Burns

    Electrical burns occur when a child comes in contact with electricity, either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).

  • Emergency Treatment of a Burn Injury

    Detailed information on emergency treatment of a burn injury

  • Heat or Thermal Burns

    A heat-induced or thermal burn can occur when the skin comes in contact with any heat source, such as a cooking pan, an iron, a fire, a hot surface, or a hot, scalding liquid.

  • First-Degree Burns

    First-degree burns affect only the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. The burn site is red, painful, and dry, with no blisters. Mild sunburn is an example.

  • Glossary - Burns

    Glossary of terms relating to burns

  • Home Page - Burns

    Detailed information on burns, including anatomy, classification, treatment, and prevention

  • Nutrition and Burns

    A child who has been burned needs additional calories and protein to help him or her heal and grow.

  • Online Resources - Burns

    List of online resources to find additional information on burns

  • Burns: Symptom Management

    Most children with burns have pain, which can be controlled with medication. They also usually experience itching at some point during the healing process.

  • Preventing Burn Injuries

    Here are safety tips: Periodically, check electrical plugs and cords for dirt or fraying. When cooking with hot oil, keep your child a safe distance from the stove. Teach your child to stay away from lighters and matches.

  • When to Call Your Child's Doctor

    These are reasons to call your child's doctor: signs of infection, uncontrollable itching, a scar that cracks open or splits.

  • If Your Child Has Difficulty Adjusting

    Agitated behavior such as crying, sleep disturbances and nightmares, and repeated episodes of sadness are signs that your child may be having difficulty coping with stress.

  • Coping Emotionally

    Your child's burn care and emotional recovery will continue when you leave the hospital. Along with the excitement, you and your child may also feel uneasy about what will happen next.

  • Preventing Scars and Contractures

    Most second- and third-degree burns cause scarring. Physical therapists will work with your child to prevent or reduce scarring.

  • Returning Home After a Burn Injury

    Detailed information for helping your child if he/she has difficulty adjusting following a burn injury

  • Home Wound Care

    Your child may come home with unhealed areas that still require dressing changes. You will be instructed on how to change dressings before you leave the hospital.

  • Second-Degree Burns (Partial Thickness Burns)

    Second-degree burns involve the outer and middle layers of skin. The burn site appears red and blistered, and may be swollen and painful.

  • Topic Index - Burns

    Detailed information on burns, including anatomy, classification, treatment, and prevention

  • Third-Degree Burns

    This type of burn destroys the top two layers of skin. Treatment for third-degree burns depends on the amount of body surface area affected.

  • Anatomy of the Skin

    The skin is the body's largest organ. It serves as a protective shield against heat, light, injury, and infection.

  • Facts About Burn Injury

    Hot tap water burns cause more deaths and hospitalizations than burns from any other hot liquids.

  • Sunburn and Children

    Protect your child from the sun. Up to 80 percent of total lifetime sun exposure occurs in the first 18 years of life.