What are the symptoms of a first-degree burn? How is a first-degree burn treated? What do first-degree burns look like? Find the answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive guide.

Understanding First-Degree Burns

First-degree burns are the most common type of burn, often caused by exposure to the sun, a hot stove, or a hot liquid. These superficial burns affect only the outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. While they can be painful, first-degree burns typically heal quickly with proper home treatment.

Symptoms of First-Degree Burns

The primary symptom of a first-degree burn is a change in the color of the skin. Skin affected by a first-degree burn will appear red, dry, and painful. Other symptoms may include:

• Soreness or tenderness in the burned area, usually lasting 2-3 days
• Skin that feels warm to the touch
• Swelling
• Peeling of the top skin layer within 1-2 days, and the rest within 3 weeks
• Itching
• Temporary change in skin color due to peeling (in people with light skin, the burnt skin may turn white when pressure is applied)

Causes of First-Degree Burns

Many first-degree burns are caused by sunburns, but they can also result from contact with a hot stove, a hot liquid, a chemical, or an electrical outlet. Research shows that 72% of burn cases in the United States are due to exposure to fire or hot liquid, and scalding injuries are most common in children under the age of 16. Of the burns with a known place of occurrence, 72.5% happen in the home, and 98% are accidental.

Treating First-Degree Burns

Most first-degree burns can be treated at home with simple remedies. The key steps in treating a first-degree burn include:

1. Removing any clothing, watches, rings, or other items near or covering the burned area
2. Immersing the burned area in cool (not ice-cold) water for at least 5 minutes, or applying cold, wet compresses
3. Gently cleaning the burned area with mild soap and water
4. Applying petroleum jelly to the burn two or three times daily
5. Covering the burned area with a non-stick bandage and changing it three times a week (or more often if there are signs of infection)
6. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation
7. Drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
8. Protecting the area from the sun

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most first-degree burns can be treated at home, it is important to seek medical attention in certain situations, such as:

• If the burn affects a large surface area
• If the burn appears to be more severe than a first-degree burn
• If the person is a child or an older adult
• If there are signs of infection, such as increasing pain, swelling, redness, or fever

Visual Comparison of Burn Severities

It can be helpful to visualize the different types of burns to better understand the severity:

• First-degree burns: Affect only the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis), appearing red, dry, and painful.
• Second-degree burns: Affect the epidermis and the underlying dermis, often resulting in blisters and more severe pain and swelling.
• Third-degree burns: Penetrate through the first and second layers of skin to the third and lowest level, the hypodermis, and may appear white or charred.

Preventing First-Degree Burns

To help prevent first-degree burns, it’s important to be cautious around hot surfaces, liquids, and sunlight. Some tips for prevention include:

• Using caution when cooking or handling hot items
• Applying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing when spending time in the sun
• Keeping young children away from hot stoves, ovens, and other potential burn hazards
• Monitoring the temperature of bath water and other hot liquids

By understanding the symptoms, causes, and proper treatment of first-degree burns, individuals can better protect themselves and seek appropriate medical care when necessary. Remember, while most first-degree burns can be managed at home, it’s important to monitor the condition and seek professional help if the burn appears to be more severe or if there are signs of infection.