A first-degree burn is a minor burn that only affects the top layer of skin, or epidermis. It is the mildest type of burn. More to Know Most first-degree burns are caused by sun exposure (sunburn) or brief contact with flames or hot objects and liquids — such as scalds from steaming water, knocked over coffee cups, hot foods, and heated cooking fluids. Symptoms of first-degree burns include redness, pain, and minor swelling. The skin is dry without blisters. First-degree burns can be treated at home and will usually heal in about 3 to 6 days. The superficial skin layer over the burn may peel off in 1 or 2 days. If a burn doesn't heal within a couple of weeks or appears to be getting worse or infected, call your doctor. Special attention should be given to burns on the face, hands, feet, and groin as these can be more serious. Keep in Mind First-degree burns are uncomfortable but are easy to treat and usually have no lasting impact. Taking safety precautions at home can help prevent many first-degree burns. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles A to Z: Burn, Second-Degree A second-degree burn affects the top two layers of skin (the epidermis and dermis). It is more serious than a first-degree burn. Read More A to Z: Burn, Third-Degree Third-degree burns, or full-thickness burns, are the most serious type of burn. They involve all the layers of the skin and underlying tissue and can cause permanent damage. Read More Fireworks Safety Fireworks safety starts with the manufacturer, but it ends with you! Read these tips on handling fireworks safely and have a blast on the Fourth! Read More Fireworks Safety Before your family celebrates a holiday, make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety. Read More How to Be Safe When You're in the Sun It's fun to be outside on a hot, sunny day. But too much sun and heat can make you feel terrible. Find out how to stay safe in this article for kids. Read More First Aid: Burns Scald burns from hot water and other liquids are the most common type of burn young kids get. Here's what to do if your child is burned. Read More First Aid: Sunburn You can treat mild sunburn at home. But severe sunburn needs medical attention. Here's what to do. Read More Sun Safety By teaching kids how to enjoy fun in the sun safely, parents can reduce their risk for developing skin cancer. Read More Being Safe in the Kitchen Cooking and baking are lots of fun - as long as you stay safe. Read this article for safety tips before you head into the kitchen. Read More Fireworks Safety Fireworks are cool to watch, but it's best to let the professionals set them off. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More Preventing House Fires Take the time now to review fire safety facts and tips to prevent fires in your home. Read More Burns Burns, especially scalds from hot water and liquids, are some of the most common childhood accidents. Minor burns often can be safely treated at home, but more serious burns require medical care. Read More Household Safety: Preventing Burns, Shocks, and Fires Burns are a potential hazard in every home. In fact, burns - especially scalds from hot water and liquids - are some of the most common childhood accidents. Here's how to protect kids from burns. Read More Childproofing and Preventing Household Accidents You might think of babies and toddlers when you hear the words "babyproofing" or "childproofing," but unintentional injury is the leading cause of death in kids 14 and under. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.