Thermal or heat burns are the result of contact with scalding water, hot surfaces, and open flames. Thermal burns often result from explosions or bursts of flammable gas.
Chemical burns result from contact with corrosive or toxic chemicals. Breathing in corrosive fumes can result in chemical burns to the respiratory system.
Radiation burns are the result of exposure to harmful radiation. Sunburn is the most common form of radiation burn. Although usually not life threatening, severe sunburns can be dangerous enough to require medical attention.
Electrical burns result from electricity discharges. Some of the most dangerous types of burns are low-voltage discharges which result in electrical burns. Electrical discharges can cause heart problems, severe nerve damage, and brain damage.
Friction burns describe any injury which results from high-speed contact with a moving surface. A familiar example is “road rash.” A friction burn is common in motorcycle accidents and bike accidents when riders are thrown from their vehicles and slide along the ground, tearing off their skin. Accompanying the scrape is heat burn from the friction.
