The following are common types of burns:

• chemical burns
• electrical burns
• thermal burns

Chemical burns

Chemical burns are tissue damage caused by exposure to a strong acid or alkali, such as phenol, creosol, mustard gas or phosphorus.

Chemical burns result from the conversion of chemical energy to thermal energy. Emergency treatment includes washing the surface of the wound with large amounts of water to remove the chemical. As long as the chemical is in contact with the skin, the burn usually continues to progress.

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Electrical burns

An electrical injury occurs when an electrical current from an external source runs through the body as heat. Electrical burns are the result of tissue damage from heat of up to 5,000 degrees Celsius generated by an electric current. The heat causes extensive damage and usually follows the current, but it can damage other structures such as muscle and bone. This electrical current usually flows along the blood vessels and nerves.

This type of electrical current can cause the following three burns:

• contact burn injury
• flash burn
• flame burn

The points of entrance and exit on the skin are burned, along with the muscle and subcutaneous tissues through which the current passes. It is possible that fatal cardiac arrhythmia may result. In this situation contact your local burn center or emergency room immediately.

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Thermal burns

Thermal burns are the most common types of burns. These often occur from residential fires, automobile accidents, playing with matches, improperly stored gasoline, space heaters, electrical malfunctions, or arson.

Flame burns are often deep burns, causing partial- to full-thickness burns.

Hot liquid burns are not as deep as flame burns, but they can still produce deep burns. Examples of hot liquids which can cause burns include hot water, coffee, grease and hot soup.

Burns from touching hot objects vary in depth, since people's reflexes cause them to react quickly. These burns can be caused by touching a stove, skillet or grill.

Flash injuries are burns that involve exposed parts of the skin and vary in depth depending on the proximity on the flash and the intensity. Automobile, gas tank and airplane explosions are causes of flash burns.

Sunburns can be extremely painful, but the pain is relieved as the wound is soothed and injury progression is stopped. Sunburns are usually superficial burns or first-degree burns.

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