There are several types of burn injuries. Many people sustain burns from fires or open flames, while others experience scalding injuries from hot liquids and steam. Contact with corrosive chemicals, open electrical currents, and hot metal or glass may also lead to a burn injury. Burns can happen at any time, in any place—including homes, workplaces, and public spaces.
Medical professionals classify burn injuries by severity.
First-degree burns are the mildest type of burn and affect the top layer of skin.
Second-degree burns affect the top and lower layers of skin and cause blistering, pain, and swelling.
Third-degree burns affect the layers of skin and deeper tissues, resulting in charred skin and numbness.
Fourth-degree burns go deeper than third-degree burns and affect the bones and muscles. Permanent nerve damage may also occur.