A burn is damage to the skin or other body parts that is caused by extreme heat, flame, contact with heated objects, or chemicals. Medically, the depth of a burn is categorized as first, second, or third degree depending upon its severity.
Signs and symptoms of a burn depend upon the degree of severity. First-degree burns are similar to a sunburn and cause skin redness, peeling, mild to moderate pain, and tenderness. Blistering may occur. Second-degree burns have more severe symptoms and signs, including a greater degree of blistering and more intense pain. In third-degree burns, there is loss of color of the skin as it turns white. Loss of sensation is an associated symptom with third-degree burns.
Causes of burns
Exposure to the sun, radiation, heat, flames, or electrical or chemical contact can cause a burn.
Other burn symptoms and signs
- Blisters
- Leathery Look to the Skin
- Numbness
- Pain
- Peeling Skin
- Red Skin
- Scarring
- Splotchy Skin
- Swelling
- White Skin
Main Article on Burn Symptoms and Signs
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Examples of Medications for Burn Symptoms and Signs
- acetaminophen
- aloe
- bacitracin - topical, Baciguent
- bacitracin topical
- cadexomer iodine
- calendula
- camphor
- hydroquinone
- ibuprofen
- lanolin
- lidocaine topical
- naproxen
- neomycin/bacitracin/polymyxin - topical, Mycitracin, Neosporin, Triple
- Over-the-Counter Products
- propolis
- silver sulfadiazine
- silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene)
- slippery elm
- zinc oxide topical
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