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Burns
Burns are injuries to the skin and deeper tissues from heat, chemicals, electricity or radiation. They range from minor to severe and may need specialist care and skin grafting.
Causes & risk factors
- Hot liquids, steam or flames
- Contact with hot objects
- Chemicals such as acids or alkalis
- Electrical injury
- Sun or radiation
Common symptoms
- Red, painful skin (superficial burns)
- Blisters
- White, charred or leathery skin (deep burns)
- Swelling
- Loss of sensation in very deep burns
Tests & diagnosis
- Clinical assessment of burn depth and area
- CBC
- Electrolytes
- Kidney function test
Treatment & management
- Immediate cooling of the burn with running water (not ice)
- Cleaning and dressing the wound
- Pain relief and fluids for larger burns
- Preventing and treating infection
- Skin grafting for deep or large burns
- Rehabilitation and scar management
When to see a doctor urgently
- Large, deep or full-thickness burns (seek emergency care)
- Burns to the face, hands, feet, joints or genitals
- Electrical or chemical burns
- Burns with breathing difficulty or signs of infection
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first for a burn?
Cool the burn under cool running water for about 20 minutes, remove tight items, and cover loosely with clean cling film or cloth. Do not apply ice, toothpaste or butter.
When does a burn need a skin graft?
Deep burns that cannot heal on their own often need a skin graft, where healthy skin is used to cover the wound. A specialist decides this.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.