UT University Health Services

Burns

Burns can be caused by fire, hot surfaces, steam, scalding liquids, chemicals, electricity, or the sun. The severity of a burn depends upon the type of "heat" and the duration of exposure to it.

Signs and Symptoms

First-Degree Burns (affect the outer layer of skin)
  • Redness, pain, swelling, and sensitivity to touch of the burned area.
  • Burned skin remains intact.

Second-Degree Burns (affect both the outer and lower layers of skin)
  • Same as first-degree burns but more severe.
  • Blisters and/or shiny, weepy, or watery areas.

Third-Degree Burns
  • White, cooked, or charred-appearing skin.
  • Often little or no pain initially because nerves have been destroyed.
  • More severe complications than with first or second-degree burns.

Self-Care

  • Clean the area gently with mild soap and water.
  • Soak the burned area in cold (not ice) water for 10 minutes to relieve tenderness.
  • Don't use butter, ointments, or oil-based products on the burn.
  • Take a non-prescription pain reliever as needed for pain. Ibuprofen is preferred.
  • Don't break blisters. Cover blistered areas with a dry dressing that won't stick to your skin. Change it at least twice a day - more often, if needed.

CALL THE UHS NURSE ADVICE LINE at (512) 475-6877 (NURS) IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

  • Any part of a burn appears to be a third-degree burn
  • Any size second-degree burn if you haven't had a tetanus shot within the last 5 years or you're not sure when you had your last tetanus shot
  • Any burn to the head, face, or genital areas or any second-degree or large burn to the hands, especially on the palms
  • Multiple burned areas or a first or second-degree burn that is larger than the palm of your hand
  • Signs of infection such as increased redness, pain, swelling, or a fever above 100.5 degrees F (38 degrees C)
  • Yellow or persistent bloody discharge in the burned area

CALL 911 OR GO DIRECTLY TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

  • Burns caused by electricity, especially if there was a loss of consciousness
  • Burns to your eyes, including those caused by chemicals
  • Burns that are obviously severe and/or over a significant part of your body

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Published by RelayHealth.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
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