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A burn is an injury that damages and destroys skin layers. It can be caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation or frostbite.

Burns are usually a result of one of the following:
1.Scalds -Scalds are the most common cause of burns. They occur when skin comes into contact with hot liquids.

2.Thermal - Flame and Flash -Flame is the next most common cause of burn injuries. Likely sources include careless smoking, improper use of flammable liquids, auto accidents or clothing ignited by stoves or space heaters. Flash follows closely behind flame with injuries from natural gas explosions, propane and gasoline. Flash flames can cause intense heat over a brief time.

3.Contact -Many burns are caused by contact with hot objects such as metal, plastic, glass and hot coals.

4.Electrical -Contact with live wires or unprotected electrical outlets can also cause burn injuries. The severity of these types of burns depends on the intensity of the electrical current and the duration of exposure.

5. Chemical -Most often, chemical burns occur during industrial accidents, but they can also occur in the home with common battery acids, oils and gases. Chemical burns can cause progressive damage until the chemical is inactivated. The severity of this type of burn depends on the kind of chemical, length of exposure and amount of tissue involved.

6.Ultraviolet -Severe burns can result from overexposure to sun or tanning equipment.

7.Inhalation Injury -This injury occurs when someone is trapped in an enclosed space with toxic gas or fumes from a fire or chemical leak.

Symptoms of major burns may include:
Black or charred skin, with or without pain
White looking skin following chemical or steam burns
Exposed fatty tissue, bone or muscles

Burns fall into four categories:
1.First Degree Burns This usually involves redness of the skin surface that is very warm to the touch. A mild or moderate sunburn is an example of a first degree burn.
2.Second Degree Burns: A second degree, or partial thickness burn, is more serious, and involves blistering of the skin and redness. This type of burn is painful, but unlike a first degree burn, the affected skin will likely appear moist.
3.Third Degree Burns: A third degree burn, or full thickness burn, all of the skin layers are penetrated and inner-muscle tissue may be affected. The burned area appears white, charred, firm and leathery. A third degree burn also destroys nerve endings, so the person may not feel pain in the burned area.
4.Fourth Degree Burns: Fourth degree burns affect muscle and/or bone. Fourth degree burns are rare.