6 common types of burns and how to care for them

When you think of a burn, you might think of something hot.  

But there are actually six kinds of burns, and they can be caused by things other than heat.  

Burns are injuries to layers of the skin. Serious ones can also damage muscle, nerves and other tissue anywhere in the body. Damage can range from mild (first-degree) to severe (fourth-degree).  

Here’s what to know about the different kinds of burns, how you can prevent them and what to do to treat them:

1. Heat burns (or thermal burns) happen when you touch or are too close to fire, steam, hot objects or liquids.  

Tips to prevent heat burns

• Lower the temperature of your hot water heater.
• Turn pot handles away from the edge of the stove when cooking.
• When preparing beverages or baths, use thermometers or other tools to safely test how hot a liquid is before drinking or stepping into the tub.
• Keep children away from fireworks, fire pits, barbecue grills and other objects that get hot.

Steps to treat heat burns

• Run cool water over the burn for 10 to 20 minutes. Don't use ice because it decreases blood flow and may hinder healing.
• Look at how damaged the skin is to decide if you need to see a doctor.  

With all burns, it is important to watch for and seek treatment for any signs of infection, such as a change in color, swelling, green discharge or pus, fever or red streaks, among others.

2. Cold burns (also known as frostbite) happen if your skin is exposed to wet, windy or icy conditions. You might also get this kind of burn by touching extremely cold items such as dry ice.

Tips to prevent cold burns

• Wear a scarf or other clothing to protect your skin.
• Keep your feet dry in cold environments and bring a spare pair of socks.
• Use tongs or protective gloves to handle dry ice or other frozen items.

Steps to treat cold burns

• Try to slowly warm the burned area by blowing warm air on it, tucking it inside clothing or putting it in warm water.  
• Don't rub or massage frozen skin as it can cause more damage.
• Be careful not to allow the skin to refreeze as it can make the damage much worse.
• Look at how damaged the skin is to decide if you need to see a doctor.  

3. Electrical burns happen when you come into contact with electrical sources or lightning. Electricity that passes through the body doesn’t just cause a jolt, it can damage muscles, nerves and other tissue inside. The throat and lungs can swell quickly, making it hard to breathe. The current can also damage the heart.

Tips to prevent electric burns

• Put safety covers on electrical outlets and unplug any item when not in use.  
• Don’t use electric appliances in or near water.
• Stay inside or away from tall objects during thunderstorms.

Steps to treat electric burns

• Make sure the burned person isn’t still touching the electrical source.
• Check their pulse and breathing.
• If breathing has stopped or you can’t find a pulse, call 911 right away and start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
• Even if the person seems okay after the shock, it’s a good idea to have a doctor check them out.

4. Chemical burns can happen if you touch or breathe in a household or industrial chemical. This kind of burn is often deeper and larger than it may first appear. Chemicals that cause burns can be liquid, solid or gas. Chemicals such as acids can eat into skin tissue. Swallowing a poisonous chemical can burn the throat or esophagus.

Tips to prevent chemical burns

• Read the label and understand the risks of the chemical you are working with. Then you’ll know how to treat a burn if it happens.
• Wear gloves and a mask that protects against fumes.
• Keep hazardous chemicals out of reach of children.
• To avoid exposure to acid in battery-operated toys, make sure the batteries are in protective casings and that kids can’t open the casing without help from an adult.  

Steps to treat chemical burns

• Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or visit poison.org for expert advice to treat the burn. Have the product container with you when you contact them.  
• If you can, flush or rinse the chemical off your body with water, rubbing alcohol, mild soap or mineral oil. Don’t assume water is best for every situation. To treat the burn correctly make sure you know the best way to counteract that chemical.  
• If the damage is severe or seems to be getting worse, see a doctor.

5. Radiation burns can happen when you have too much contact with the sun’s rays, tanning booths, sunlamps, X-rays or radiation therapy for cancer treatment.

Tips to prevent radiation burns

• Wear sunscreen and/or a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing to shield your skin from UV rays. Learn 7 essentials for sun protection.
• When you’re having X-rays or other imaging, make sure the healthcare provider uses safety equipment.
• Avoid or use tanning beds as little as possible.

Steps to treat radiation burns

• If the burn covers a large area or if the skin is blistered, get medical care.
• If the skin is red but unbroken:
• Gently lay cool cloths on the area or take frequent cool showers or baths.
• Apply moisturizing lotion or cream to relieve itching. Other remedies include aloe vera gel, calamine lotion or an oatmeal bath.
• Medicines like an antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream may help relieve itching.  

6. Friction burns happen when you scrape or slide on a hard surface such as pavement ("road rash"), carpets (“carpet burn”) or gym floors. These burns are often both burns and scrapes (abrasions), which means part of your skin gets rubbed off.

Tips to prevent friction burns

• Wear elbow and knee pads when riding a bike, skating or playing a sport that might make you fall or slide.
• Avoid pulling someone across the floor if they have bare skin.

Steps to treat friction burns

• Very gently wash and dry the area.
• Lightly apply a first-aid cream or ointment.
• Cover the area with a loose, nonstick bandage.  
• Look at how damaged the skin is to decide if you need to see a doctor.

With all kinds of burns, try to be gentle with your skin as it heals. Try to keep it from getting too hot or cold, and protect the burned area so it doesn’t get injured again.

Because so many things can cause burns, being aware of potential dangers is a vital part of staying safe or recovering well.