Burns are injuries to the skin and underlying tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, friction, or radiation. They can range from mild superficial injuries to deeper wounds that affect multiple layers of the skin. The severity of a burn depends on factors such as the cause, depth, size, and location of the injury.
While some minor burns may heal without medical intervention, others require assessment to support appropriate wound care, healing, and scar management. Early evaluation can help determine the extent of the injury and whether specialist care may be beneficial.
Symptoms and appearance
The appearance of a burn can vary depending on its depth and severity. Burns may present with redness, pain, swelling, blistering, or areas of broken skin. Deeper burns may appear pale, leathery, or charred and can sometimes be less painful due to nerve damage.
Symptoms may evolve over time, with changes in colour, swelling, or fluid discharge as the injury heals. In some cases, burns may result in scarring or pigment changes after healing.
Common causes of burns
Burns can occur from a variety of sources.
- Thermal burns are caused by contact with hot objects, flames, steam, or scalding liquids.
- Chemical burns result from exposure to corrosive substances such as acids, alkalis, or industrial chemicals.
- Electrical burns occur when an electric current passes through the body and may cause deeper tissue injury that is not immediately visible on the skin.
- Radiation burns, including sunburn, result from excessive exposure to ultraviolet or other forms of radiation.
- Friction burns can occur when skin is rubbed forcefully against a surface, combining heat and abrasion.
How burns may be assessed
Dermatologists who consult at Northside Dermatology may assess the depth and extent of the burn, skin integrity, signs of infection, wound healing progress, and relevant medical history. Assessment may also consider the risk of scarring, pigment changes, or functional impairment depending on the location of the burn.
This evaluation helps guide whether management may involve wound care advice, topical treatments, scar management strategies, referral for specialised care, or further medical review, depending on individual findings and clinical diagnosis.
Treatment outcomes vary and often require a staged or long-term approach.
