Burns 101: Identifying Types & Quick Burn Treatments to Relieve Pain

Experiencing a burn can be a sudden, painful, and sometimes overwhelming experience. In those panicked moments, knowing how to respond can help reduce pain and prevent more severe injuries. If you or someone around you experiences a burn, remember to stay calm and take the necessary steps to help.

In this guide, you will learn about the different types of burns and how to treat them.

Types of Burns

Burns vary significantly in severity and cause, from mild sunburns to severe injuries requiring immediate medical attention. According to the American Burn Association, nearly half a million Americans seek medical treatment for burns each year. While most burns are minor and can be treated at home, some require immediate emergency care. 

Discover the different types of burns, how they are caused, and how to treat them.

First-Degree Burns

If you briefly touch a hot pan while cooking, chances are, you have a first-degree burn. This is the mildest type of burn, affecting only the outer layer of skin or epidermis. These burns often result from brief contact with a hot object, a mild sunburn, or scalding from hot water. 

Symptoms include redness, mild pain, and slight swelling, but no blisters. First-degree burns heal within a week and rarely cause scarring, though the affected area may peel as it heals.

Second-Degree Burns

If you spill hot coffee on yourself, you may experience a second-degree burn. These types of burns are more severe and penetrate the skin, affecting both the epidermis and the underlying dermis. 

Commonly caused by hot objects, hot oil or boiling water, second-degree burns result in blisters, intense pain, redness, and swelling. 

Second-degree burns usually require more intensive care to prevent infection and scarring.

Third-Degree Burns

In the case of a house fire or if you spill chemicals, you will likely experience a third-degree burn. This is the most severe type of burn, affecting all seven layers of the skin, and even the underlying tissue.

These burns are the result of open flame exposure, chemical spills, and extreme heat. In third-degree burns, the skin may appear charred, white, or leathery, and the burn area might feel numb because of nerve damage. 

This type of burn requires immediate medical attention, as it can lead to significant complications if not treated promptly.

What To Do If You Burn Yourself

When a burn occurs, taking quick, careful action can help reduce pain and prevent more severe symptoms. Follow these steps:

1. Cool the Burn: Run the affected area under cool (not cold) water for 10–15 minutes to help reduce the heat.
2. Remove Tight Items: Gently remove rings or tight clothing around the burn area before it swells.
3. Cover the Burn: Use a clean, non-stick bandage or cloth to protect the area and prevent infection.
4. Avoid Ice and Butter: Many people think that using ice or butter on a burn helps. However, this can actually make the injury worse. Stick with cool water or an appropriate burn product instead.

These steps are appropriate for minor burns. For more severe burns, focus on keeping the person safe and calm while awaiting emergency help.

When to Call For Medical Help

While many minor burns can be treated at home, some burns require professional medical attention to prevent further complications. 

Seek emergency care for large or deep burns, particularly those that cover a significant area or penetrate deep into the skin, such as second- and third-degree burns. Burns on sensitive areas, like the face, hands, feet, or joints, are especially vulnerable to complications and also warrant medical attention. 

Additionally, if a burn shows signs of infection—such as spreading redness, increased pain, pus, or swelling—it may need evaluation. Electrical and chemical burns, as well as burns causing breathing difficulties or resulting from exposure to toxic smoke, should also be evaluated by a healthcare provider immediately. Timely medical care is essential for proper healing and to reduce the risk of lasting damage.

As a general rule of thumb, if you suspect a third-degree burn, you should call 911.

How to Treat a Burn at Home with Alocane®

For first- and some mild second-degree burns, there are several home remedies for burns. Alocane® Max Emergency Burn Gel with Antiseptic and Alocane® Max Emergency Burn Spray with Antiseptic offer immediate relief with their 4% Lidocaine formula, the maximum strength for over-the-counter burn relief. This formula helps numb the pain quickly and effectively, making it ideal for minor burns, cuts, and scrapes.

Alocane products also contain Benzalkonium Chloride, a powerful antiseptic that kills 99.9% of germs commonly associated with skin infections. This ingredient is crucial for preventing infections in open burns or cuts. With soothing Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, Alocane helps cool the skin, reducing inflammation and itching.

How to Use Alocane Products:

1. Clean the burn gently with cool water.
2. Apply a thin layer of Alocane gel or spray to the affected area.
3. Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick bandage if needed.
4. Reapply as needed following product instructions.

Alocane’s non-greasy formulas absorb quickly, allowing the Lidocaine to work within minutes. This makes it a reliable option for fast-acting pain relief and infection prevention.

Caring for a Burn Wound

Burn care doesn’t stop after the initial treatment. Proper wound care promotes faster healing and reduces the risk of complications like infection or scarring. Here are some tips for ongoing care:

• Keep it Clean: Clean the area gently once a day to prevent infection.
• Use Alocane Regularly: Reapply Alocane to maintain pain relief and antiseptic protection, following the instructions for frequency.
• Avoid Popping Blisters: If blisters form, don’t pop them, as this increases infection risk.
• Moisturize: After a few days, consider using a light moisturizer to prevent itching and dryness as the burn heals.
• Watch for Infection Signs: Redness, swelling, pus, or increased pain are signs of infection. If you notice any of these, consult a healthcare provider.

Preventing Burns: Simple Tips for Safety

Burns are preventable, and a few simple steps can help you avoid them:

• In the Kitchen: Turn pot handles inward, avoid wearing loose clothing, and never leave hot appliances unattended.
• Sun Protection: Apply SPF daily, especially during prolonged outdoor exposure, and wear sun-protective clothing.
• Safety Around Heat Sources: Practice caution with open flames, space heaters, and any hot equipment, and always keep children and pets at a safe distance.
• Be Mindful of Electrical Hazards: Avoid overloading outlets and keep electrical devices away from water.

By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of burns for yourself and those around you.

Understanding burn types and knowing how to treat them can alleviate pain, speed up healing, and prevent complications. With products like Alocane, you can be well-prepared for minor burns, allowing for quick and effective treatment right at home. Preparedness and knowledge are your best tools, whether you’re dealing with a minor burn or working to prevent one in the first place.