Burn injuries categorize by causative mechanism and depth creating different treatment needs and outcomes. Thermal burns from fire, hot liquids, or steam represent most common type affecting millions annually. Chemical burns from acids or alkalis cause progressive damage requiring immediate neutralization. Electrical burns create internal damage along current paths often worse than visible injuries. Radiation burns from sun exposure, radiation therapy, or nuclear incidents develop over time. Friction burns combine thermal and mechanical trauma common in road rash injuries. Cold burns (frostbite) freeze tissues causing similar damage patterns requiring specialized treatment. Classification by depth determines healing potential with superficial burns healing independently versus deep burns requiring grafting. First-degree burns affect only epidermis causing pain and redness without blistering. Second-degree burns reach dermis creating blisters and severe pain with healing potential. Third-degree burns destroy full skin thickness appearing white or charred without sensation. Fourth-degree burns extend through skin into underlying structures including muscle and bone. Inhalation injuries from smoke or toxic gases complicate burn treatment affecting airways. Understanding burn types helps establish appropriate treatment paths and damage valuations.