Burns can happen quickly, and can cause serious injury and death. First degree burns are the least serious type of burn, caused when the skin comes into contact with a heat source such as a hot stove, fire or exposure to the sun. First degree burns usually resolve within a week without complications, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Some situations, however, make complications from a first degree burn more likely.
Skin Complications
First degree burns affect the top layer of skin. Burned skin may appear red and slightly swollen, and blanches, or turns white, when touched. First degree burns do not cause blisters, breaks in the skin or permanent skin damage. FamilyDoctor.org suggests rinsing a first degree burn with cool water for five minutes and using aloe vera cream to keep skin moist.
Chemical Burn Complications
Chemicals that cause burns, also called caustic chemicals, have the potential to deeply damage skin. A chemical burn may initially have the appearance of a first degree burn: the skin may be red, with minor swelling and pain. "The Handbook of Occupational Dermatology" states that some chemicals continue to burn the skin and may cause a much deeper burn if not treated. Deeper burns resulting from chemicals can lead to infection, scarring and organ damage.
FamilyDoctor.org suggests treating chemical burns by flushing with large amounts of water to remove the chemical, cool the skin and stop the burning process. Medical attention should be obtained for chemical burns to prevent further complication.
Airway Complications
First degree burns to the lips, mouth or throat can damage the airway and affect breathing. Airway burns may occur from ingesting smoke, steam, toxic substances or fumes that burn skin. Burned tissue in the mouth or throat may swell and produce large amounts of mucus which can compromise the airway and make it difficult to breathe. A person with a burned airway may cough forcefully or wheeze. Respiratory distress often occurs several hours after exposure to a heat agent, according to a November 1993 "Canadian Family Physician" journal article.
A person who has been involved in a structure fire, has inhaled toxic or chemical fumes, or ingested chemicals, should be immediately medically treated for airway burn evaluation.
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