Staying Healthy
Protect your skin from serious burns
Learn how to take quick action if you're burned, and what you can do to prevent further injury or future accidents.
- Reviewed by Anthony L. Komaroff, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Health Letter
It takes only a moment to suffer a burn at home. It can be as simple as brushing against a sizzling skillet on the stove or getting into a bath that's too hot — a particular risk for people with decreased sensation in their feet. Understanding common causes of burns can help you prevent them. And learning what to do immediately, if they happen, is crucial.
Common burn causes
"There are several common causes of burns, particularly in older people, and most are clearly preventable," says Dr. Colleen Ryan, staff surgeon at the Sumner Redstone Burn Center at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital and Shriners Children's Boston. Here are some examples.
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About the Author
Heidi Godman, Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter
About the Reviewer
Anthony L. Komaroff, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Health Letter
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