Burns are classified in several ways, primarily by the depth of tissue damage (degrees) and the type of energy causing the injury. While there isn't a universally accepted list of seven distinct types, we can categorize burns into the following groups, encompassing the information from the provided references:
1. By Degree of Severity:
- First-Degree Burns: These are superficial burns affecting only the epidermis (outer skin layer). They cause redness, pain, and mild swelling. Think of a mild sunburn. [Source: UPMC, Cleveland Clinic, WebMD, MedlinePlus]
- Second-Degree Burns: These burns damage the epidermis and part of the dermis (second skin layer). They're characterized by blisters, intense pain, and swelling. [Source: UPMC, Cleveland Clinic, WebMD, MedlinePlus, Mayo Clinic]
- Third-Degree Burns: These are full-thickness burns, affecting the epidermis, dermis, and sometimes underlying tissues. They can appear white, charred, or leathery, and may not be painful initially due to nerve damage. [Source: UPMC, Cleveland Clinic, WebMD, MedlinePlus]
2. By Causative Agent:
- Thermal Burns: Caused by heat sources like flames, hot liquids, steam, or hot objects. This is the most common type of burn. [Source: UPMC, Stanford Health Care, Johns Hopkins Medicine]
- Chemical Burns: Result from contact with corrosive substances like acids, alkalis, or other chemicals. [Source: Stanford Health Care]
- Electrical Burns: Occur from contact with electrical currents. These burns can be both external and internal, with significant damage often hidden beneath the surface. [Source: Stanford Health Care]
- Radiation Burns: Caused by exposure to ionizing radiation (like from nuclear accidents or medical radiation therapy), ultraviolet radiation (sunburn), or other forms of radiation. [Source: Stanford Health Care]
- Friction Burns: These are caused by friction, often seen in road rash or burns from rubbing against a rough surface. [Source: Note that this type is not explicitly mentioned in all references but is a recognized type of burn]
It's important to note that a burn can be both a specific degree and a specific type. For example, you can have a second-degree thermal burn (from hot water) or a third-degree electrical burn.
