It is important for you to familiarize yourself with the three different types of burns a person can suffer so that you will know how to treat them and when it is necessary to seek out professional medical attention. If you don’t get medical help after suffering a dangerous burn, you could face serious or even life-threatening physical complications.

Types of Burns

There are three main types of burn injuries, which are classified according to severity: first degree burns, which are the mildest, second degree burns, and third degree burns, which are the most dangerous type. The characteristics of each are as follows:

• First Degree: Affects only the top skin layer. Red and swollen skin, pain to the touch, no blisters or breaks.
• Second Degree: Affects the top two layers of skin. Area is painful, red and swollen, with blisters present.
• Third Degree: Affects all skin layers and, sometimes, the tissues underneath. Area can be black and charred, or white. No pain is present due to nerve damage.

Depending on the type of burn you sustain, you may be able to treat it easily at home.

Treating Burns at Home

You can treat first degree and most second degree burns at home. Follow these easy steps to facilities an efficient recovery process:

• Hold the burned area under cool, running water
• Take ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain and swelling reducer
• Cover the injured area with a sterile bandage
• Don’t apply butter, ointments, or ice to the area. Aloe vera is acceptable
• Avoid breaking any blisters that formed

Second degree burns that cover an extensive area and all third degree burns will require professional medical attention. If you are experiencing the symptoms of these types of injuries, you should elevate and cover the burned area with a clean bandage or moist cloth as you wait for emergency services to arrive.