Each year, over two and a half million people suffer burn injuries. More than 35 percent of burn injuries happen to children.
A first-degree burn occurs when the top layer of skin, called the epidermis, is burned. It is also known as a superficial burn, which refers to the depth of the injury.
First-degree burns are red or pink in color, and may be mildly swollen. The skin is dry and without blisters. The skin feels raw and tender. Sunburn is the most common kind of first-degree burn.
First-degree burns can result from several different kinds of burns.
- thermal burns, or burns caused by heat or flames
- contact burns, burns caused by a hot surface like an iron, light bulb, radiator, hot pot, serving dish, or muffler tail pipe
- scald, a burn caused by hot water, liquids, grease or radiator fluid
- sunburn
First-degree burns are considered to be the least harmful of burn injuries. Typically, complete recovery happens within four to five days, and skin heals without scarring. Most first-degree burns can be treated at home. For elderly and young people, even a small first-degree burn can be serious, so it is important to consult a health care professional to insure that you are providing adequate treatment.
