What is a superficial burn?
• A superficial burn is also called a first-degree burn. It is a skin injury commonly caused by dry heat (fire) or wet heat (steam or hot liquids). The skin is made up of the epidermis (outer layer), dermis (second layer), and the subcutaneous tissues (muscles and fat; third layer). Burns may be grouped based on how deep the affected tissue is. They may be grouped into superficial, partial thickness, or full thickness burns. • A superficial burn occurs when the epidermis has been slightly burned or injured. A superficial burn is the least serious type of burn. It usually heals within 3 to 5 days without scarring or blisters (raised skin with watery fluid inside). Most sunburns are superficial burns.
