[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/09\/different-types-of-burns\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/09\/different-types-of-burns\/","headline":"Types of Burns: Thermal, Electrical, and More","name":"Types of Burns: Thermal, Electrical, and More","description":"Learn about electrical burns, thermal burns, friction burns, and other types of burns. Find out when it's time to seek medical care. \r\n","datePublished":"2017-09-01","dateModified":"2020-04-16","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/emergency-medicine","name":"Trauma & Emergency Medicine","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/emergency-medicine","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/trauma-emergency-medicine\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/072017BLG_PREVENTBURNSSTOVE.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/072017BLG_PREVENTBURNSSTOVE.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/09\/different-types-of-burns\/","about":["Safety"],"wordCount":926,"keywords":["chemical burns","electrical burns","friction burns","radiation burns","thermal burns"],"articleBody":"The risk of sustaining a burn is all around you \u2014 at home, in the workplace, and out in public.That’s why it’s critical to understand the\u00a0different types of burns, and when it’s time to seek medical attention.Learn About Different Types of BurnsThermal BurnsThermal burns occur when you come in contact with something hot. Typically, you will suffer a thermal burn when you touch:Flames or fireHot, molten liquid or steam (referred to as a scald)Hot objects, such as cooking pans, irons, or heated appliances.Treatment for thermal burns depends on the location and severity of the burn. For moderate to severe burns, you should immediately call 911. Then take these steps:Put out any fire or flames and stop contact with the hot or heated source.Use cold water to cool the burned area. Do not use ice, as it may further damage the skin.For mild burns, you can find pain relief by applying a cool, wet compress and\/or taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed on the bottle. Later, burn creams and ointments can help these burns heal.For more severe burns, loosely apply a sterile bandage or clean cloth to the burned area. Do not remove parts of your skin or pop blisters. Seek medical attention for further treatment.Chemical BurnsYou may receive a\u00a0chemical burn\u00a0if your skin and\/or eyes come in contact with a harsh irritant, such as acid. Substances that cause chemical burns include:ChlorineAmmoniaBleachBattery acidStrong or harsh cleanersTake these steps if you have been burned by a chemical: Rinse the burned area under running water for at least 10 minutes. If the\u00a0chemical has entered your eye, rinse your eye for about 20 minutes to remove traces of the chemical. Then, call 911 or go to the hospital if the burn is:Larger than three inchesOn your face, hands, feet, groin, or buttocksStill very painful after taking over-the-counter pain medicationOn a major joint, like the kneeMedical treatment for both thermal burns and chemical burns is similar and may include:Wound cleaning\u00a0and removing dead skin or tissueIV fluids to regulate body temperature and speed healingAntibiotics to prevent or fight infectionSkin grafting (covering the wound with healthy skin from another area of the body to close the wound)Electrical BurnsElectrical burns\u00a0happen when the body comes in contact with an electric current. Our internal systems are not resistant to electricity, so you may be injured if a strong jolt enters your body.The most common cause of electrical burn is coming in contact with an extension cord where the insulation material has worn away. Low-voltage electrical burns can also occur in the mouth, most commonly when young children place noninsulated cords in their mouth.A burn may appear on your skin if an electric current runs through your body. These burns can be treated like a thermal or chemical burn. However, if you come in contact with an electric current, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately. Electricity can affect internal tissues and muscles and have long-term, negative effects on your health.Friction BurnsA\u00a0friction burn\u00a0can occur when skin repeatedly rubs against another surface or is scraped against a hard surface. Like other burns, friction burns are categorized into degrees.Many friction burns are first degree and often heal on their own within three to six days. You can use moisturizing cream at home to care for it. For more serious friction burns, you should seek medical care immediately.Radiation BurnsCancer patients undergoing\u00a0radiation therapy\u00a0may suffer from an injury known as radiation burn.High-energy radiation is used to shrink or kill cancerous cells, and when it passes through the body, skin cells may be damaged. If you’re frequently receiving radiation treatments, your skin cells may not have enough time to regenerate, and sores or ulcers may develop.The term “burn” is a misnomer for these wounds, because skin has not actually been burned. However, the wounds can look and feel like burns.Skin must regenerate for the wounds to heal, which can take two to four weeks for mild skin reactions or a few months for more serious reactions.Care for radiation burns includes:Cleaning and moisturizing woundsAvoiding sunlightWearing loose clothing or bandages over the woundIf you have an injury from radiation, you may also have internal complications and should seek medical treatment immediately.Burn ClassificationNow that you are able to identify the different types of burns, you should know how burns vary. Burns are classified by degree: first, second, and third.First-Degree BurnsFirst-degree burns damage the outer layer of your skin, better known as the epidermis. Typically, these burns heal themselves within a week. A good example of a first-degree burn would be sunburn. So, don\u2019t forget your tanning lotion.Second-Degree BurnsSecond-degree burns damage both the outer layer and the layer beneath it, which is called the dermis. With these burns, a skin graft is sometimes needed. A skin graft is essentially a procedure in which healthy skin is transplanted to cover the burn, allowing it to heal.Third-Degree BurnsThird-degree burns are more severe, as they destroy both layers of your skin. Hair follicles, sweat glands, and other tissues tend to result in damage as well. Remember those skin-grafts we talked about? They are always required with third-degree burns.If you have experienced second or third-degree burns, it is best to seek medical treatment right away."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2017","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"09","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/\/09\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Types of Burns: Thermal, Electrical, and More","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/09\/different-types-of-burns\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]