Burn on face

Low urgency
-Moderately severe

A burn is an injury to body tissue, in this case the face, caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight or radiation. 

There are three types of burns: first-degree burns, which only damage the outer layer of the skin; second-degree burns, which damage the outer layer and the layer underneath; and third-degree burns, which damage or destroy the deeper layer of the skin and the tissue underneath. 

They can cause swelling, blistering and/or scarring, depending on the severity of the burn.

Diagnosis is based on clinical history and physical examination. 

Treatment depends on the cause, depth and extent of the burn. For minor burns, the affected area should be moistened with water. More severe burns may require treatment to clean the wound, replace the skin and ensure proper hydration and nutrition.

Bibliographic references
  1. Phillip L Rice, Jr, MD. Dennis P Orgill, MD, PhD. Classification of burns. UpToDate, Aug 11, 2016.
  2. Arek Wiktor, MD, David Richards, MD, FACEP. Treatment of minor thermal burns. UpToDate, Sep 17, 2015.
  3. Summer GJ, Puntillo KA, Miaskowski C, et al. Burn injury pain: the continuing challenge. J Pain 2007; 8:533.
  4. http://ameriburn.org/who-we-are/media/burn-incidence-fact-sheet/ (Accessed on June 21, 2018).
  5. Luis Miguel Gallego Torromé, Silvia Honorato Guerra, Domingo García Almagro. Quemaduras. Manual de protocolos y actuación en urgencias. Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo. Tercera edición. 2010. Páginas: 1191-1196.
  6. Efectos nocivos causados por la luz y las radiaciones. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen II. Duodécima edición. Páginas: 2574 - 2580.
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Symptoms

    Reddened facial skin


    Reddened skin


    Red face


    Blisters larger than 0.5 cm / 0.2 inches


    Feeling of burning on the skin

Symptoms to watch out for

Burns that cause the skin to look rough or charred
Burns caused by chemical substances or electricity
Difficulty breathing
Wound with signs of infection (warmth, redness, painful sensation, fever, swelling)
A feeling of shortness of breath

Self-care

Take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Apply cold water in small areas for 5 to 10 minutes.
Maintain a fluid intake of 6 - 8 cups per day.