Skin burns are painful and if severe enough can pose a threat to your life. According to FamilyDoctor.org, there are three different degrees of skin burns. A first-degree burn is superficial as it only affects the epidermis (surface layer of your skin). A second-degree burn affects your epidermis and dermis (middle skin layer) while a third-degree burn is extensive as it affects all skin layers, including your nerves. Sunlight, chemicals, fire and electricity can potentially burn your skin.
Sunburn
Sun exposure can make you susceptible to skin burns especially if you have light-colored skin. Symptoms of a sunburn include skin erythema (redness), pain, warmth, blisters and swelling. It can also cause systemic (affecting your body) symptoms like fever, fatigue and headache, says the Mayo Clinic. Any uncovered part of your body is prone to sunburns. Typically a sunburn will heal on its own but you can use over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen to relieve your pain. Your doctor may also prescribe a corticosteroid medication such as prednisone to decrease your pain and help in healing. You can also apply an aloe-vera-containing lotion to your sunburns to help decrease pain.
Chemical Burn
Chemicals such as household bleach, ammonia and certain paints can be caustic to your skin. MedlinePlus states that chemical burns can cause pain, swelling, blue or red skin, blisters and a rash at the effected site. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, stomach pain, trouble breathing, dizziness and loss of consciousness. Chemical burns can be life threatening if the chemicals seep into all of your skin layers. Run the effected region under water for at least 15 minutes and get medical help if you have trouble breathing, convulsions or lose consciousness. Regardless of whether the chemical burn is major or minor, you should visit your doctor right away to be evaluated.
Thermal Burn
Burns from fire, hot water and electrical appliances such as an iron can cause a thermal burn. This type of burn is caused by an intense source of heat. Similar to a sun or chemical burn, thermal burns can typically cause pain, redness, swelling, blisters and eschars (black and dead skin). You can go into shock if the thermal burn is extensive. The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford says typical shock symptoms include chills, weakness, a weak pulse, nausea, blue or pale lips and fingernails, cold sweats and unusual breathing. Apply cold compresses to your burn for 30 minutes at a time and go to the emergency room if your symptoms are bothersome.
