Burns: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Burns?
Minor burns are often treated by a primary care doctor. Large, deep, or special-area burns need urgent medical care from a doctor trained in burn care. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are burns?
A burn is damage to the skin or deeper tissue. It can come from heat, fire, hot liquids, electricity, radiation, or chemicals. Burns are grouped by how deep they go. Superficial burns, once called first-degree burns, hurt only the outer layer of skin. Partial-thickness burns, once called second-degree burns, go one layer deeper and usually blister. Full-thickness burns, once called third-degree burns, go through the deep skin layers.
Symptoms
- Pain, redness, and swelling in mild burns.
- Blisters, sometimes leaking fluid.
- White or charred, blackened skin in deep burns.
- Numb skin in the deepest burns. Serious burns can hurt less than you expect.
- Signs of shock: pale, clammy skin, weakness, blue lips, and less alertness.
Burns in the airway can happen if someone breathes in smoke or hot air. Warning signs are burns on the face or neck, burned nose hairs, coughing, trouble breathing, a hoarse voice, or dark, black mucus.
Causes and who gets it
The most common causes are fire and flame, scalds from steam or hot liquids, and touching hot objects. Electrical and chemical burns are less common but often serious. Children under 5 and adults over 55 have a higher chance of problems from severe burns because their skin is thinner. Young children are also burned in kitchen accidents, such as grabbing a hot iron or touching the stove or oven.
How doctors diagnose it
The doctor looks at how deep the burn goes and how much of the body it covers. They measure its size as a share of the body surface. Burns on the face, hands, feet, groin, or over a joint are treated as more serious. Tests may include blood and urine tests and an ECG, a recording of the heart's electrical activity, if shock or other complications are present, and a chest X-ray for face or airway burns.
Treatment
For a minor burn, cool the skin under cool running water for 10 to 15 minutes. Never use ice. Gently clean it with soap and water, and do not break any blisters. A thin layer of petroleum jelly and a non-stick dressing protect the skin. Over-the-counter pain medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen helps. Large or deep burns are emergencies. Care may include fluids through a vein, breathing support, and medicines to prevent infection.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 right away for a very large burn, about the size of your palm or bigger, or any deep full-thickness burn. Call 911 for any burn caused by chemicals or electricity, for signs of shock, or if someone breathed in smoke. Chemical burns need the chemical flushed off with cool running water for 15 minutes or more, with exceptions such as dry lime and elemental metals. Get care right away for burns on the face, hands, feet, or groin, for any burn in a young child or older adult, and for oozing, fever, or red streaks that mean infection.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot and can check how a burn is healing.
Common questions
Should I put ice or butter on a burn?
No. Ice can damage the tissue more. Butter, oils, creams, and other home remedies should not go on a burn. Use cool running water instead.
How long does a minor burn take to heal?
A minor burn can take up to 3 weeks to heal. The deeper the burn, the more likely it is to leave a scar.
When does a burn need the emergency room?
When it is large, deep, caused by chemicals or electricity, on the face, hands, feet, or groin, or when the person shows shock or breathed in smoke. If you are not sure how serious it is, treat it as a major burn and call 911.
Why does a serious burn sometimes not hurt?
The deepest burns can destroy the nerves in the skin. Because the nerves no longer send pain signals, the burned area can feel numb.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
