About Burns

Types of Burns

First-Degree or Superficial Burns

A first-degree burn damages the first or outer layer of skin (epidermis). It is pink, red, dry and painful, but generally mild. An example of a first-degree burn is a sunburn. If the burn is kept clean and moist, it will usually heal over a week or two. Some peeling will occur and there is no scarring.

Second-Degree or Partial-Thickness Burns

A second-degree burn affects a deeper layer of the skin. There is damage to the top layer or epidermis and some damage to the second layer of skin or dermis. There are blisters, which may be broken or intact, and swelling. The skin under the blisters is wet, weepy, pink and painful. This type of burn may occur from a scald, hot grease or contact with a hot surface, such as a curling iron.

Second-degree burns are divided into two categories based on the depth of the burn:

1. Superficial second-degree burns typically heal with conservative care (no surgery required) in one to three weeks. Topical medications are placed on the burn wound. Daily wound bandage changes are the norm. New epidermis grows in one to three weeks with proper wound care.
2. Deep second-degree burns appear more pale than pink. The skin is drier and the sensation of that skin can be diminished. Sometimes, these burns will need surgery for skin grafting. This decision cannot be made in the first few days, and a short course of conservative treatment (topical medications) will be tried to allow wounds to heal, if possible.

Third-Degree or Full-Thickness Burns

In a third-degree burn, all layers of the skin are destroyed. Blisters may be present and the color of the skin varies (red, pale pink, white and tan). Typically, these burns have very diminished pain. If a burn does not hurt, it may be a third-degree burn. These burns usually require surgery for skin grafting.

Initial Treatment for Small Burns in First 48 Hours

Ice is not recommended as an initial treatment for burns because it can decrease circulation and make the burn worse. Soaking the burn in cool water is fine.

Do not put any food-based products on the burn as this may cause infection and make it more difficult to clean the wound. Clean the wound daily with mild soap and water. This can usually be done in the shower or bath.

Treat small burns with over-the-counter topical antibiotic ointment, like Polysporin or Neosporin, until healed. Keep the wound covered with a bandage. Burns heal better in a moist, covered environment.

When to Seek Burn Treatment at UC San Diego Health

Seek treatment from UC San Diego Health Regional Burn Center if the burn is third-degree; goes over a joint; goes all the way around a limb, finger or toe (circumferential); can't be easily bandaged; or if the pain is out of control.

We also provide comprehensive rehabilitation services for people who have sustained serious burns. The goal of the therapy for burn injury recovery is to return you to the highest possible functional level of independence. A physical or occupational therapist, or both, will work with you through the complete recovery phase during your hospital stay. You may need to attend outpatient therapy sessions after your discharge from the hospital.

Infection will usually not be seen until at least three to four days after a burn injury. The wound could be infected if there is expanding redness around the wound (some redness on the edges of the wound is normal), yellow or green drainage, or if you develop a fever unrelated to other illness.

Most burns that heal within three weeks will not scar with proper sun protection. However, a person's ethnic background or genetic predisposition to scarring will also affect cosmetic appearance and scarring risks.