12063 Burns

Overview

A burn is damage to the skin or deeper tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or too much sun. Burns can be minor, like a small scald from hot water, or serious enough to need hospital care.

Burns are very common. Every year, many people visit their doctor or hospital with burns, most often from hot drinks, cooking, or contact with hot surfaces.

Anyone can get a burn, but young children, older adults, and people with certain health conditions are at higher risk. People who work with heat, electricity, or chemicals also have more exposure to burns.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Red, painful skin
• Swelling
• Blisters that may ooze clear fluid
• Peeling skin
• White or charred skin in deeper burns

Symptoms in children

• Crying, fussiness, or inconsolable discomfort
• Red, blistered, or peeling skin
• Lethargy or unusual quietness if the burn is severe

Symptoms in older adults

• The burn may look less deep than it is because older skin is thinner
• Pain may be less noticeable, especially if nerves have been damaged
• Slower healing and higher risk of infection

Causes

Main causes

• Heat: flames, hot liquids, steam, or touching hot objects
• Chemicals: strong acids, alkaline products, or cleaning liquids
• Electricity: faulty wires, sockets, or lightning
• Sun: prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays
• Friction: hard rubbing, like on a rope or carpet

Risk factors

• Very young age
• Older age
• Certain medical conditions that affect skin or circulation
• Working with heat, chemicals, or electricity
• Using cooking or heating equipment without safety measures

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Any burn that is larger than the size of a person's palm
• A burn that looks black, charred, or white
• A burn that is blistered and very painful
• A burn on the face, over a joint, or around a limb
• A burn that keeps weeping or smells unpleasant

Book a routine appointment if:

• Minor burns that do not seem to be healing well
• If you are not sure whether your tetanus shots are up to date
• If you have a medical condition like diabetes or a weakened immune system

Diagnosis

A doctor will look at the burn to see how deep it is and to estimate how much skin is affected. They will ask about how the burn happened and check your overall health.

Tests that may be done

• Usually no tests are needed for minor burns
• For serious burns, blood tests or imaging scans may be done to check for damage below the skin
• If the burn is infected, doctors may take a swab to identify the germ

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will gently clean the burn, may remove damaged skin, and apply a sterile dressing. They will tell you how to care for the burn at home and when to come back for a follow-up.

Treatment

Treatment for a burn depends on its depth, size, and location. For minor burns, first aid and home care are usually enough. Deeper or larger burns may require professional dressings, medicines, or special procedures to help the skin heal and prevent scarring.

Self-care at home

• Cool the burn under cool (not icy) running water for at least 20 minutes right after it happens
• Do not use ice, butter, or creams on a fresh burn — these can damage the skin
• Cover the burn loosely with a sterile piece of cling film or a clean, non-fluffy dressing
• Take over-the-counter pain medicine as advised by your pharmacist or doctor
• Keep the burn clean and dry, and change the dressing regularly

Medical treatments

For more severe burns, doctors may use special dressings, prescribe antibiotic cream or ointment if there is an infection, give fluids through a vein to prevent dehydration, and sometimes use a skin graft — that is, taking healthy skin from another part of the body to cover the burned area. The exact treatment always depends on the individual case.

When is surgery considered?

Very deep burns, especially those that go through the full thickness of the skin, may need surgery to remove damaged tissue and place a skin graft. This helps reduce scarring and improves movement in the area.

Living with this condition

While a burn heals, keep the area clean and covered. Follow your doctor's or nurse's instructions about dressing changes. Watch for signs of infection, like increased redness, swelling, pus, or a bad smell. Protect healing skin from pressure and friction.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid sunlight on the healing skin for at least a year — use sun protection or keep it covered
• After the wound closes, moisturize gently to help the skin stay soft
• Wear comfortable clothing that does not rub the healed area
• If you smoke, ask your health team for help to stop — smoking slows healing and increases scarring

Diet and exercise

Eating a healthy balanced diet with enough protein and vitamins supports skin repair. Gentle exercise is good for circulation and overall health, but avoid activities that stretch or irritate a healing burn until it has fully recovered.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A burn can be painful and upsetting, and some people feel anxious or low afterward. It is normal to need time to adjust. If you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, tell your doctor — support and treatment are available.

Prevention

Many burns can be prevented with simple safety steps, such as using smoke alarms in the home, keeping hot drinks and cooking pots away from children, and testing bathwater temperature before use.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for burns, but keeping your tetanus vaccination up to date is important because burns can raise the risk of tetanus infection. Ask your doctor if you are unsure.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for burns, but regular home safety checks — like looking for frayed wires or flammable items near heat sources — can help you prevent accidents.

Complications

If left untreated

• Infection, which can spread and become serious
• Deep scarring that may limit movement
• Nerve damage causing long-term numbness or pain
• Dehydration or low body temperature if a large area is affected
• Emotional distress or psychological trauma after a serious burn

Long-term outlook

Most burns are minor and heal fully without lasting problems. With prompt and proper care, even deeper burns can heal with good results. Your healthcare team will support you through treatment and recovery, and many people return to their normal activities within a few weeks.

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