First-degree burns affect only the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. The burn site is red, painful, dry, and with no blisters. Mild sunburn is an example. Long-term tissue damage is rare and usually consists of an increase or decrease in the skin color.
Causes In most cases, first-degree burns are caused by the following:
mild sunburn
flash burn - a sudden, brief burst of heat
Symptoms The following are the most common signs and symptoms of a first-degree burn.
redness
dry skin
skin that is painful to touch
pain usually lasts 48 to 72 hours and then subsides
peeling skin
The symptoms of a first-degree burn may resemble other conditions or medical problems.
Participants