- Burns are commonly caused by the sun, hot liquids, fire,
electricity or chemicals. - Burns are classified according to
depth and size as superficial, intermediate or deep. -
Superficial and intermediate burns are treated primarily by
cooling the area. - Deep burns must also be cooled, but require
emergency hospital care. - Prevent burns in children by never
leaving them unsupervised around dangers like fires and stioves.
What causes burns? Burns are the greatest cause of unnatural
death among South African children under age five. Burns
commonly result from the sun, scalding by hot liquids, fire,
electricity or chemicals. Very young children have especially
sensitive skin and even a burn from a cup of coffee can prove
fatal. What are the symptoms and signs of burns? Pain is not an
indicator of the severity of a burn. Burns are classified into
superficial, intermediate and deep – according to the depth and
size of the burn. Superficial burns involve only the outer skin
layer. Sunburn is an example of a super