Campfire burns are just some of the risks of summer fun, along with burns from barbecue grills, fireworks and lawn mowing equipment. Plus the ever-present risk of sunburn. And most of the burns are completely preventable. Close adult supervision is a must. Burns are classified according to the depth and extent of the skin damage.
First degree is limited to the outer skin layer, with redness and tenderness.
These peel in about a week. Second degree involves the top layer of skin and some beneath, with redness and blistering. Third degree involves the full thickness of the skin, often appearing white or charred. Don't take time to remove clothing or call the doctor. You can handle most first-degree burns at home, with a sterile pad or gauze dressing.