Burn is a type of injury that occurs when the skin or other tissues of the body are exposed to extreme heat, electricity, chemicals, or radiation. It can cause damage to the skin and underlying tissues, leading to pain, swelling, blistering, and in severe cases, charring of the affected area. Burns can be classified into different degrees based on their severity.

First-degree burns only affect the outer layer of the skin and typically result in redness and mild pain. Second-degree burns involve deeper layers of the skin and may cause blistering and more intense pain. Third-degree burns are the most severe, affecting all layers of the skin and potentially causing damage to muscles, bones, and nerves.

Burns can occur from various sources such as fire, hot liquids or objects, steam, electricity, chemicals, and even exposure to the sun. The severity of a burn depends on factors like the temperature of the heat source, duration of exposure, and the location and size of the burn. Immediate first aid for burns includes cooling the affected area with cool water or applying a cold compress to alleviate pain and prevent further tissue damage. It is important not to use ice or very cold water as it can worsen the injury.