How do I care for skin burns?

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease)

The most common burns a person receives in the kitchen are scalds and contact burns. Learn how to care for first-, second-, and third-degree burns in this video of Dr. Oz.

Continue Learning about Burns

Challenge America

The third-degree burn is a full-thickness burn that damages all layers of the skin and even causes i...

American Red Cross

Burns are a special kind of soft-tissue injury. Like other types of soft-tissue injury, burns ca...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

"Superficial" refers only to the burn's depth of damage within the skin. Superficial burns are first...

National Athletic Trainers' Association

First-degree burns are the least severe. They are red and painful, swell slightly, and turn white wh...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Burns

Burns are classified according to the severity of the injury to the skin and underlying tissues. The three burn categories are first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns, with first-degree burns being the most minor. If the first and second layers of skin have been burned, you have a second-degree burn. Second-degree burns can sometimes be considered minor. For both first- and second-degree burns, apply cool running water to the area for at least 10 minutes. This will help reduce swelling. The most serious burns are third-degree burns. Not only are all the layers of skin burnt, but muscle, fat, bone, and other tissues are temporarily or permanently affected. A third-degree burn requires medical attention. Another serious burn that may need treatment is an electrical burn, like from a power cable. These types of burns may cause internal damage, even if the burn does not leave a mark on the skin.

Learn More