Signs and Symptoms of Burn

Signs and symptoms of burns are different depending on how severe the burn is (as described above). Your doctor will evaluate the extent of the burn (the amount of skin or body surface area that the burn covers) to assess the risk for complications, such as infection, dehydration, and disfigurement.

Infection

People who get burned are very prone to infection. It can be hard to tell if a minor burn is infected because the skin surrounding a burn is usually red and may become warm to the touch -- both of which are also signs of infection. Any change in the appearance of a burn, or in the way that the person feels, should be brought to the attention of a doctor. Potential signs of infection include:

* Change in color of the burnt area or surrounding skin
* Purplish discoloration, particularly if swelling is also present
* Change in thickness of the burn (the burn suddenly extends deep into the skin)* Greenish discharge or pus
* Fever

Dehydration

In severe or widespread burns, fluid is lost through the skin, and the person can become dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to life threatening shock. A doctor will treat dehydration with intravenous (IV) fluids. Potential signs of dehydration include:

* Thirst
* Lightheadedness or dizziness, particularly when moving from sitting or lying position to standing
* Weakness
* Dry skin
* Urinating less often than usual

Burn Patterns

Burns have typical and atypical patterns. Typical patterns result from accidental burns while atypical patterns may be a sign of physical abuse. Typical burns (from spilling hot liquid, for example) tend to occur in exposed areas such as the arms, face, and neck. Atypical burns may occur in unexposed areas such as the buttocks. Burns involving entire hands and feet are also not typical, nor are third degree burns involving a very small, focused area (resembling, for example, a cigarette).
Causes:

Burns are caused by exposure to thermal (heat), electrical, radiation, or chemical sources. Thermal burns occur when hot metals, scalding liquids, steam, or flames come in contact with the skin. Exposure to electrical current causes electrical burns, and contact with caustic chemicals causes chemical burns. Prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays or to other sources of radiation (such as from tanning booths) can also cause burns.

The most serious burns are usually caused by scalding hot or flammable liquids, and fires. Exposure to chemicals and electrical currents also cause severe injury and damage to the skin.