Burn

For the chemical reaction of burning, see combustion.

In medicine, a burn is a type of injury to the skin caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, or radiation (an example of the latter is sunburn).

There are three degrees of burns.

• First degree burns are usually limited to redness and pain at the site
• Second degree burns additionally have blistering of the skin
• Third degree burns additionally have charring of the skin (or eschar[?] formation).

Serious burns, expecially if they cover large areas of the body, can cause death.

Survival of severe burn injuries is markedly improved if the patient is treated in a specialized burn center rather than a hospital.

Scalding is a specific type of burning that caused by non-solid hot material: liquid and/or steam, usually water and vapour, sometimes oil (especially for cooks). It is usually regional and usually does not cause death.