Burns are incredibly painful due to the damage they inflict on nerve endings within the skin. The protective outer layer, the epidermis, is compromised, leaving these sensitive nerve endings exposed and vulnerable to stimulation. This leads to intense pain signals being sent to the brain. Furthermore, the inflammatory response that follows a burn further intensifies pain. As the affected area swells and releases vasoactive substances, the pain intensifies.
Burns can cause different levels of pain depending on the severity of the burn. Superficial dermal burns, for example, are known to be particularly painful, even from slight changes in air currents moving over the exposed skin.
While third-degree burns can be extremely serious, they may not be as painful as second-degree burns because they can damage the nerves, potentially leading to a lack of sensation in the affected area.
