A burn is a type of skin injury. Although most burns are minor, many require hospitalization. Severe burns may also be life–threatening in some cases.

The skin is composed of three layers – the epidermis (top layer), dermis (middle layer) and subcutaneous tissue (bottom layer). The depth and severity of a burn can vary, affecting different layers of the skin. The depth of a burn is used to classify the injury as a first, second or third degree burn. Although symptoms vary depending on a burn’s severity, common signs and symptoms include pain, blisters, redness and swelling. Severe burns may cause the skin to appear white or charred.

According to the American Burn Association (ABA), there are more than 1 million burn injuries each year in the United States, most of which are preventable. Burns are caused by exposure to thermal (e.g., steam, flames), electrical (e.g. lightning strike, open wiring), chemical (e.g., lye, sulfuric acid) or radioactive (e.g., ultraviolet radiation, x-rays) agents.

The specific methods used to treat burns vary. Common treatment methods include wound care, pain management, intravenous fluids and physical therapy (treatment aimed at restoring physical function and preventing disability). Minor burns often heal well on their own and do not require serious medical treatment. First aid, however, should be given to promote healing and prevent infection. First aid for minor burns involves applying cool water and topical antibiotics to the site and covering the burn with a dry gauze bandage.

More severe burns require emergency medical attention to prevent shock (a life-threatening condition that occurs when not enough blood flows through the body), infection, scarring and a number of other possible complications. People with third degree burns often require skin grafting, a procedure in which a patch of healthy skin is surgically removed from one area of the body and transplanted to another area.

The majority of burns are caused by scalds, building fires and flammable liquids and gases. There are a number of steps a person can take to reduce their risk of getting a burn. These include setting the temperature of the water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) or less (or the “low-medium” setting) and testing the water temperature before stepping into a shower or bath. People should also place smoke detectors and fire extinguishers around their homes.