• Superficial burns affect the top layer of skin only. The skin looks red and is mildly painful. The top layer of skin may peel a day or so after the burn, but the underlying skin is healthy. It does not usually blister or scar. A good example is mild sunburn.
• Partial thickness burns cause deeper damage. The skin forms blisters and is painful. However, some of the deeper layer of skin (the dermis) is unharmed. This means the skin can usually heal well, sometimes without scarring if the burn is not too deep or extensive.
• Full thickness burns damage all layers of skin. The skin is white or charred black. There may be little or no pain as the nerve endings are destroyed. These often require skin grafting.
• Electrical burns can cause damage inside the body even if there is little damage to the skin.

Home care, or should I get medical help?

See a doctor or nurse if you are unsure about what to do after a burn. However, you may be happy to manage small, mild (superficial) burns at home. Mild sunburn, small mild burns, or mild scalds are best left uncovered. They will heal quicker if left to the fresh air. Even a small blister is best left uncovered to heal. If the blister bursts, you can use a dry, non-adhesive, non-fluffy sterile dressing. This will soak up the weeping blister, and stop dirt and germs getting into the wound. However:

See a doctor or nurse as soon as possible if:

• The burn becomes infected. Infection causes a spreading redness from the burn which becomes more painful.
• You are not up to date with tetanus immunisation.
• Blisters occur. You may be happy to deal with a small burn with a small blister. However, a blister means a partial thickness burn, and it may be best to see a doctor or nurse.

Go straight to casualty (after cooling with water and first aid) for the following:

• Electrical burns.
• Full thickness burns, even small ones. These are burns that cause white or charred skin.
• Partial thickness burns on the face, hands, arms, feet, legs, or genitals. These are burns that cause blisters.
• Any burn that is larger than the size of the hand of the person affected.
• Cover the burn with cling film or a clean plastic bag before going to casualty.

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• Next: Common causes of burns

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