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The most common kind of burn injury is a thermal burn, resulting from exposure to scalding water, fire, or hot objects (the sun is included here). Another type of burn injury are chemical burn injuries.

Burn injuries include damage to muscle, nerve tissue and bones as well as the skin. Burn injuries are usually accompanied by other traumatic injuries, like fractures or other problems due to smoke inhalation or surgery.

One way to identify a burn injury is by depth of the injury. This is method is useful for giving a prognosis for recovery and making clinical decisions. There are 3 degrees that classify burns:

- A first-degree burn is a superficial injury. It affects only the top layer of the skin.

- A second-degree burn compromises the epidermal layer and a part of the dermis.

- A third-degree burn, or full-thickness burn, affects the epidermis, the full dermis, dermal appendages, and at times deeper tissue. Such a burn, even when it involves a small surface area, usually needs hospitalization.

The healing of a burn injury needs a highly specialized and effective skin treatment. Open wounds must be meticulously cared for to prevent infection and to encourage healing as quickly as possible. Therapy may include respiratory treatment, speech therapy, swallowing therapy, and carefully monitored nutrient and fluid intake.

As a burn injury becomes less acute, other problems need intervention. These include the building of a new self-image, the incorporation of previous leisure interests, tissue flexibility, daily living and walking skills, emotional support and re-adjustment to community and family life.

Weakened burn scars tissue will change from a reddish to white color while stretching. Don't forget to pay extra attention to these areas because they can get much tighter if you do not stretch them on a regular basis.

Cured burn wounds, donor sites, and grafts are very sensitive to direct solar light and need special skin care measures. These areas can burn very quickly and also become very dry. After burn wounds have cured, you should avoid direct exposure to sunlight for at least six months. After those first six months, it is okay to allow short exposures to sunlight. It is important to apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. The sunscreen must be applied approximately 30 minutes before sun exposure. Also, try not to be under the sun between (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Reapply sunscreen often and try to stay out of direct sunlight. You can gradually increase your exposure to sunlight over a period of time.

A safer and natural alternative to chemical skin care solutions is now available in the form of a skin care product to treat a wide range of skin ailments.