There are many types of burns, such as dry burn, scald, electrical burn and sunburn.

Dry burn is caused by dry heat, such as flames, hot objects, cigarettes and friction (rope burn). Scalds are caused by wet heat, including hot steam, hot liquids or hot fat.

We recognize first-degree burns with red skin, second-degree burns with blisters and third-degree burns, which are deep with black skin.

In minor burns, place the area under cold, slowly running water for 10 minutes or apply an icepack.

In severe burns, never place the area under water. Remove any rings and watches, because the area can start to swell. Never apply any fats, creams or ointments. Do not remove anything stuck to the burn. Do not puncture any blisters. Cover the area with a sterile dressing or kitchen film to prevent infection. Monitor vital signs and call the EMS.

Electrical burns are caused by household appliances, lightning or high-voltage currents. Make sure there is no contact between the casualty and the electrical source before you touch them. Cool the injury in cold water. Administer some analgaesics until pain is relieved. In electrocution caused by high-voltage current, the electric shock can cause cardiac arrest, so be ready to resuscitate.

Sunburn results from overexposure to the sun. The sunburned skin is red, hot, tender, blistered and the casualty may feel dizzy as well. It is important to prevent sunburn by using some protective sunscreen to avoid the development of skin cancer. Sunscreens usually have sun protection factor rating (SPF). The higher the SPF rating, the higher the protection of your skin. Children are especially susceptible to sunburn. We should limit sun exposure from 10 am to 3 pm, wear sun-protective clothes (such as hats, sunglasses, white loose clothing), sit in the shade, drink enough and eat food supplements containing vitamin A. Treatment involves liquids intake, using anti-inflammatories and applying soothing creams containing aloe vera or panthenol.