Burns and scalds

An external burn is damage to the skin's tissues. Burns can be vary painful, and can cause:

• redness on the skin,
• blisters (pockets of fluid that form on the skin), or
• charred (black) skin.

Burns can be caused by:

• direct contact with something hot, such as fire,
• radiated heat from an external source, such as the sun,
• certain chemicals,
• electricity, or
• friction (when an object or surface rubs against something else).

A scald is a burn that is caused by hot liquid or steam. Scalds are managed in the same way as burns.

Outlook

Depending on how serious a burn is, it may be possible to treat it at home using first aid. Taking immediate action to stop the burning process, for example by removing the person from the heat source and cooling the burnt area, can reduce the amount of damage caused by a burn or scald.

More serious burns will require professional medical attention. Every year in the UK, around 175,000 people attend hospital accident and emergency (A&E) departments for burns.

Large or deep burns and all chemical and electrical burns should receive medical attention. People who may be at higher risk, such as children under five years of age or pregnant women, should also seek medical attention after a burn or scald.

A healthcare professional will assess the size and depth of the burn, clean the affected area and apply a dressing. They will also tell you when the dressing should be changed and offer pain relief, if necessary.

Tissue
Body tissue is made up of groups of cells that perform a specific job, such as protecting the body against infection, producing movement or storing fat.