Burns and Scalds Burns are caused by dry heat, and scalds are caused by moist heat. Treatment is the same for both. Contact with an electric current also causes burns, especially if the skin is dry. The seriousness of the burn can be determined by its depth, extent, and location and by the age and the health of the casualty. You must take all these factors into consideration when evaluating burns.
Healing occurs naturally within a week.
Pain is moderate to severe, swelling often occurs. Healing takes 2 - 3 weeks, with some scarring and depigmentation. The skin may vary from white and lifeless to black and charred. Pain will be absent at the burn site if all the nerve endings are destroyed and the surrounding tissue will be painful. There is considerable scarring, and skin grafting may be necessary.