Causes of burns

Burns can be caused by numerous factors, including:

1. Heat: Burns caused by direct contact with hot objects, flames, steam, or hot liquids are known as thermal burns.

2. Electricity: Burns caused by electrical current passing through the body, known as electrical burns.

3. Chemicals: Exposure to corrosive substances like acids, bases, solvents, or strong cleaning agents can cause chemical burns.

4. Radiation: Overexposure to sunlight, tanning beds, or radiation therapy can result in burns called radiation burns.

5. Friction: Skin repeatedly rubbing against a hard surface can cause friction burns or "road rash."

6. Cold: Prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures or contact with cold objects can cause frostbite, which is essentially a form of cold burn.

7. Inhalation: Inhaling hot gases, smoke, or other harmful substances can cause burns to the airways and lungs.

8. Electric arcs: Burns caused by high-intensity electric arcs that result from various industrial activities like welding or electrical accidents.

It is important to note that the severity of a burn depends on factors such as the temperature, duration of exposure, depth of tissue damage, and the percentage of body surface area affected.