Thermal contact burns occur when skin touches a hot surface like a pan, iron, or heated metal. These burns can range from mild to severe, and quick action is essential to reduce tissue damage and pain.
Burns can be minor or life-threatening, which is why knowing first aid treatment for burns is essential. Prompt attention can limit damage and promote healing. Serious burns require emergency treatment.
Types of Burns
Burns fall into three categories based on severity. The types of burns include:
- First-degree: These superficial burns affect only the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin).
- Second-degree: Also called partial thickness burns, these involve the epidermis and part of the dermis (the inner layer of the two main layers of skin).
- Third-degree: These burns include the full thickness of the skin and destroy the epidermis and dermis layers. Third-degree burns may also damage the underlying bones, muscles, and tendons.
Causes of thermal contact burns
Thermal burns are the primary cause of all burn injuries in the United States. Dry and wet sources of heat can cause them. Burns from wet sources are called scalds.
Dry sources of heat are:
- fire flames
- hot metal, glass, or other objects
Scalds can be caused by:
- hot water, oil, or other liquid
- hot steam
You can burn your airways if you breathe smoke, steam, or superheated air.
First Aid Steps for Thermal Contact Burns
- Stop the Burning Process
- Remove the person from the heat source.
- Do not remove clothing stuck to the skin cut around it if needed.
- Cool the Burn Immediately
- Run cool (not cold) water over the area for 10–20 minutes.
- If water isn’t available, apply a cool, wet compress.
- Avoid ice it can worsen tissue damage.
- Remove Constrictive Items
- Take off rings, bracelets, or tight clothing near the burn before swelling starts.
- Protect the Burn
- Gently pat dry and cover with a sterile, non-stick dressing or clean cloth.
- Keep the dressing loose to allow airflow and reduce pressure.
- Manage Pain
- Offer acetaminophen or ibuprofen per dosing guidelines.
- Never apply ointments, butter, or creams directly to fresh burns.
- Monitor for Infection
- Watch for redness, swelling, pus, or fever.
- If blisters form, do not pop them—they protect healing tissue.
When to Seek Emergency Help
Call emergency services if the burn:
- Is larger than your hand
- Involves the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints
- Appears white, charred, or leathery (possible third-degree)
- Is accompanied by difficulty breathing, confusion, or signs of shock
Do’s and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Cool the burn with clean, running water | Use ice, butter, or greasy substances |
| Cover with sterile, non-stick dressing | Apply adhesive bandages directly on the burn |
| Remove jewelry and tight clothing early | Peel off stuck clothing |
| Elevate the burned area if possible | Delay seeking help for large or deep burns |
| Offer pain relief and monitor for infection | Pop blisters or scrub the wound |
Burn Severity Guide
| Degree | Skin Layers Affected | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| First-degree | Epidermis (outer layer) | Redness, pain, no blisters |
| Second-degree | Epidermis + dermis | Blisters, swelling, intense pain |
| Third-degree | All skin layers + deeper tissue | White/charred skin, numbness, leathery feel |
Prevention
- Don’t leave your kitchen unattended while cooking.
- Use the back burners of your stove and keep handles turned away from the edge.
- Always have pads readily available when cooking.
- Ensure all burners and electric appliances are off when you’re done using them.
- Never put hot drinks on low tables and on the edges of countertops where kids can easily reach them.
- Set your water heater to 120° F (49° C)
- Never leave children alone while they are bathing.
REFERENCES
- WebMD Editorial Contributors, Thermal Burns Treatment, March 10, 2024, https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/thermal-heat-or-fire-burns-treatment
- Tiwari VK. Burn wound: How it differs from other wounds? Indian J Plast Surg. 2012;45(2):364-373. doi:10.4103/0970-0358.101319
- Olga Askinazi, What are thermal burns?, June 27, 2022, https://www.healthline.com/health/thermal-burn
- Nancy LeBrun , Basic First Aid for Major and Minor Burns,Updated on December 05, 2023, https://www.verywellhealth.com/first-aid-for-burns-5208710
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