What is a burn?
A burn is the result of aggression, usually caused by a heat source, which destroys the more or less superficial layers of the skin. Burns can be caused by boiling water on the skin, flames, charcoal or an iron. Ultraviolet rays can also cause this (sunburn), as can the ionisation associated with radiotherapy. Less commonly, burns can occur as a result of electric shock, explosion, or exposure to a chemical such as bleach.
A burn's severity depends on its extent, depth and the area affected. The mucous membranes and hands, for example, are particularly sensitive. Other factors must also be taken into account, such as the victim’s age (burns are more serious in children and the elderly) and the presence of a chronic condition (diabetes, heart failure, etc.).(1)
Why are there different degrees of burns?
A burn can cause several physical manifestations that differ depending on the affected area and the extent of the injury. People often associate burns with blisters, even though the two do not always occur together or at the same time. Grouping burns into different degrees simply makes it possible to tailor the care and treatment of the injury.
What are the different degrees of a burn?
To assess their severity, there is a classification system for the different degrees of burns. There are three categories, from the most superficial to the most serious. These degrees of burn are identified by observing the appearance of the skin and the signs accompanying the injury.
First-degree burns
Undoubtedly the most common type, a first-degree burn involves superficial damage to the epidermis. For example, a sunburn or a hand briefly touching a dish that comes out of the oven. In this case, redness, dryness of the skin and sometimes itching are observed. The area may become painful, but without any blisters forming. Only the epidermis is affected, and the blood vessels beneath the skin dilate, causing slight swelling. It is common to suffer superficial burns to the fingers or hands that we use for cooking and other manual tasks. This type of burn is easy to treat at home.(2)
Second-degree burns
The main difference between a first-degree and a second-degree burn is whether blisters form. These can occur immediately or within hours of an accident to protect the deep layers of the skin. Blisters filled with clear liquid may burst due to friction.
Superficial second-degree burn
Second-degree burns can be of two types: superficial or deep. A superficial second-degree burn is when the skin is red and the pain is severe. This sensitivity indicates that the nerve endings are functioning normally and that the dermis (the deeper layer of the skin) has not been affected. As with first-degree burns, this type of burn does not necessarily require medical attention. It can be treated at home with appropriate care.(2)
Deep second-degree burn
If, on the other hand, the skin appears white, this is a sign that the dermis and blood vessels have been affected. Similarly, even mild pain is not a good sign: it means that the nerve endings may be affected and are no longer functioning properly. It may therefore be a deep second-degree burn. Blisters that burst when the burn occurs also place it in this category. It is important to distinguish between the different degrees of burns, as the treatment will vary depending on the severity. A deep second-degree burn requires medical attention.(2)
Third-degree burns
A third-degree burn is easy to recognise by looking at the appearance of the skin, which may appear brownish, leathery, white or even blackened. The victim does not feel any pain at the site of the injury, but rather all around it. In this third category, the burn may extend to the muscles or even the bones, leaving the body vulnerable to infection. This type of burn must be treated as a medical emergency to ensure that the victim receives appropriate care.(2)
When degrees get mixed up
In the case of a serious injury, it is sometimes possible to see several degrees of burn at the same time: third-degree burns in the centre, surrounded by second- and first-degree burns. In this case, it is clearly the third degree that must take precedence and dictate the course of action for treating the injury. A burn involving multiple degrees of severity must be assessed by a doctor.(2)
Superficial or deep?
The first sign to look for is the colour of the burned skin. If it appears red, the blood vessels are functional: it is a superficial burn. If, on the other hand, the skin is white or brown, the damage is deep because the epidermis has been destroyed down to the dermis.
Similarly, if the victim does not feel any pain in the burnt area, this is a deep burn, as the nervous system has been affected, causing a loss of sensation. If there is pain, it is a superficial injury.
Depending on which of these categories the burn falls into, it will be treated differently.(2)
How to treat a superficial burn
A burn is not an injury to be taken lightly, and there are steps you should take as soon as it occurs to minimise its severity. The important thing is to treat it promptly and protect the affected area.
The first steps to take for a superficial first or second degree burn
When the burn occurs, the first reflexes are decisive in preventing progression to a higher degree.
The first step is to move the victim away from the heat source. Observe the appearance of the skin to assess the degree and severity of the burn. In the case of a first-degree or superficial second-degree burn, quickly run the affected area under a steady stream of water at a temperature of between 15 °C and 25 °C to cool it for at least 15 minutes. If this is not sufficient, continue as long as the burn remains painful. Choose water at room temperature – and definitely not ice-cold – so as not to cause further damage to the skin. Then, dry the area by dabbing it with a clean, dry cotton cloth.
If a blister forms, do not try to burst it, as this could put the body at risk of infection.
Treating and protecting first-degree and superficial second-degree burns
After cooling the burn under lukewarm water, you can apply a cream or ointment specifically designed for this type of injury. Ask your pharmacist for advice. Do not apply anything else to the burn, no fat such as butter or oil.
You can apply URGO Burns and Superficial Wounds Sterile Tulle dressing to your burns. Its lipid-colloid technology combines hydrocolloid particles with petroleum jelly to relieve pain and help the burn heal properly. After application, cover the medical device with a sterile dressing secured with a bandage or plaster.
For greater convenience, there is URGO Burns and Superficial Wounds Sterile Dressing: the same lipid-colloid technology in a dressing that does not stick to the wound and can be removed painlessly. Looking for a water-resistant* burn dressing? URGO Burns Waterproof offers the same formulation on a waterproof* backing that promotes burn or wound healing.
Please be patient: it can take up to a week for a first-degree burn to heal, and up to three weeks for a superficial second-degree burn. Adhering to the treatment time will ensure the best possible cosmetic result.
Should I seek medical advice for a burn?
If the burn is a first-degree or a superficial second-degree burn and its area does not exceed half the size of the victim’s palm, it is entirely possible to treat it yourself using the appropriate products and care.
However, there are certain situations where a doctor’s consultation is required: if the victim is a baby or a child under the age of 5; if the burn covers more than 5 per cent of the body surface area in a child (or 10 per cent in an adult); in the case of an elderly person; or if the burn is to the face or hands. Similarly, medical treatment is required if the accident is caused by electricity or a chemical, or if the victim is shivering or has a fever.(1)(3)
Good to know: if you are unsure about the severity of a burn and cannot see a doctor straight away, you can get valuable advice from your local pharmacy.
* Shower-resistant dressing: if the pad appears damp after showering, replace the dressing in accordance with the instructions for use. NOT SUITABLE FOR BATHING.
URGO BURNS SUPERFICIAL WOUNDS STERILE TULLE. Indications: Treatment of second degree superficial burns from domestic accidents and superficial wounds such as grazes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice and read the leaflet carefully before use. This medical device is a regulated health product, which according to legislation, carries CE marking. Laboratoires URGO Healthcare – 21300 CHENÔVE - RCS DIJON 798 251 559 - Share capital €56,280,458. 12/2024
URGO BURNS SUPERFICIAL WOUNDS sterile dressing. Indications: Treatment of second degree superficial burns from domestic accidents and superficial wounds such as grazes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice and read the leaflet carefully before use. This medical device is a regulated health product, which according to legislation, carries CE marking. Laboratoires URGO Healthcare – 21300 CHENÔVE– RCS DIJON 798 251 559 - Share capital €56,280,458. 12/2024
URGO BURNS WATERPROOF. Indication: treatment of first-degree and superficial second-degree burns, as well as superficial wounds. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice and read the leaflet carefully before use. This medical device is a regulated health product, which according to legislation, carries CE marking. Laboratoires URGO Healthcare – 21300 CHENÔVE– RCS DIJON 798 251 559 - Share capital €56,280,458. 12/2024