Although burns usually affect the skin, they may also involve damage to deeper tissues, such as the lungs in cases of smoke inhalation during a fire, or even the bones in cases of high-voltage electrical injury.

The severity of a burn depends on both the depth and the extent of the injury. The older classification, still widely known, distinguishes burns into first-, second-, and third-degree burns. Today, burns are classified according to their depth as superficial, partial-thickness, and full-thickness burns.

Superficial burns affect only the outer layer of the skin. The skin appears red, slightly swollen, and is usually painful. A common cause is excessive sun exposure.

Partial-thickness burns involve several layers of the skin but not its full depth. The skin appears deep red or purple, shows significant swelling, and often develops blisters on the surface. These burns are particularly painful.

Full-thickness burns destroy all layers of the skin. The skin appears dry and hard, pale or black. Surprisingly, this type of burn is often painless because the nerve endings have been destroyed.

How are burns treated?
The first priority for anyone assisting a burn victim is ensuring their own safety. It is important to assess the circumstances of the accident and any ongoing risks, such as fire, electrical hazards, or chemical exposure.

The next step is to stop the burning process. Clothing that is not stuck to the burned area should be carefully removed. The burned areas should be rinsed with plenty of cold running water until medical help is available. Applying toothpaste, creams, or home remedies such as onions has no proven benefit and should be avoided.

Burned skin swells quickly, so it is important to remove anything that may constrict circulation, such as jewelry, even if it is not directly over the burn.

Do not break any blisters that form. It has been shown that intact blisters, when they do not restrict movement, help protect the wound and promote healing. It is also important to keep the burned areas moving despite pain and swelling, in order to prevent stiffness and contractures that may later require surgical treatment. Take adequate pain relief — no one is expected to endure pain today simply because they have been burned.

If the burn was caused by chemicals, rinse the area with plenty of water for a prolonged period and seek medical attention at the nearest hospital with a burn unit.

Home treatment
Minor burns can be treated at home. Superficial burns usually do not require special dressings. Good hydration of the skin with healing creams is important, as this helps relieve pain and promote recovery. These burns typically heal within a few days.

When should I seek medical help?
Medical attention is necessary when:

- There is a deep partial-thickness or full-thickness burn
- There are large superficial burns
- Burns involve special areas such as the face, hands, or genital area
- The burn was caused by electricity or chemicals
- There is uncertainty about the depth of the burn or proper treatment

Recovering from a burn
Recovery time depends on the depth and extent of the injury. The healing process, although it may sound surprising, continues gradually for up to a year. During this period, the appearance of the burned area may change continuously.

Superficial burns usually heal completely within about two weeks and leave no scars. Deeper burns require more time and often need treatment with skin grafts. Many people believe a burn should be left to heal on its own, but this increases the risk of infection, hypertrophic and contracture scars, and varying degrees of disability. The use of skin grafts in deep burns ensures rapid wound closure, eliminates the risk of infection, allows early physiotherapy, and enables a faster return to daily activities. However, burn treatment is not only surgical. It also requires comprehensive supportive care, both physically (such as physiotherapy) and psychologically.

Simple steps to reduce fire risk
Burn injuries are scientifically recognized as one of the most severe forms of trauma in humans. Here are some simple precautions to take before going to bed that can reduce the risk of fire:

- Make sure all cigarettes are completely extinguished — do not smoke in bed
- Turn off all unnecessary electrical appliances
- Switch off portable heaters
- If you have a fireplace, ensure the fire is properly contained before leaving it overnight
- Close interior doors to slow the spread of fire in case of emergency
- Install a smoke detector — it is inexpensive and saves lives
- Purchase a fire extinguisher — in moments of panic, it may prove invaluable