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A burn occurs when the body’s tissues are damaged by heat or chemicals. There are three types of burns:
Saint Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco, CA, is home to a 16-bed intensive care burn unit, the largest in Northern California. The Bothin Burn Unit has its own fully equipped operating room, state-of-the-art life support and monitoring equipment and ultrasonic hydrotherapy for bathing wounds.
Symptoms of a first-degree burn include:
Symptoms of a second-degree burn include:
Symptoms of a third-degree burn include:
A third-degree burn is a medical emergency. The fluid loss and tissue damage caused by a third-degree burn can result in shock or death. If you have a third-degree burn, go to your nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1.
You should also seek medical attention if:
Burn treatment depends on the degree of the burn.
Treatment tips for a first-degree burn include:
For a second-degree burn follow the treatment protocol for first-degree burns. Before swelling occurs, remove jewelry, clothing, or other tight items. If blisters form, do not break them.
Treatment for a third-degree burn includes:
If you are unsure about treating a burn or if you exhibit new or worsening symptoms, seek professional medical assistance right away. You can trust that Dignity Health’s Bay Area hospitals will be here for you, whenever you need us.
Dignity Health provides emergency care for a wide range of conditions, including burns, in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Redwood City.