First-degree burn
Disease Information
Overview
What is a first-degree burn?
A first-degree burn, also called a superficial burn, only affects the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. The burn site appears red, painful, dry, and absent of blisters. Scarring is rare or minimal. The most common type of first-degree burn is mild sunburn.
What causes a first-degree burn?
In most cases, first-degree burns are caused by the following:
- mild sunburn
- flash burn - a sudden, brief burst of heat
