The most usual kind of burn injury is a thermal burn, produced by exposure to scalding water, fire, or hot objects (including the sun). Chemical burn injuries are another type of burn injury.

Burn injuries include harm to nerve tissue, muscle and skin, and sometimes even bones. Burn injuries are frequently accompanied by other traumatic injuries, such as fractures or other problems due to smoke inhalation or surgery.

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

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

- A second-degree burn damages all of the epidermis and a part of the dermis.

- A third-degree burn, or full-thickness burn, affects the epidermis, the entire dermis, dermal appendages, and sometimes deeper tissue. A burn like this, even when it includes a minor surface area, generally requires hospitalization.

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

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

Weakened burn scars tissue will change from a red to white tone while stretching. Don't forget to pay extra attention to these patches because they can tighten even more if you do not stretch them on a regular basis.

Cured burn wounds, donor sites, and grafts are highly sensitive to direct solar light and require special skin care measures. These areas can burn very quickly and also become very dry. After burn injuries have healed, you must avoid direct sunlight exposure for at least 6 months. After those first six months, it is okay to allow short exposures to sunlight. It is vital to apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply the sunscreen approximately 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Also, try not to be under the sun between (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Try to stay out of direct sunlight and reapply sunscreen often. You can, over a period of time, gradually increase your exposure to sunlight.

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