What type of burn is caused by exposure to a heat source?

A thermal burn is specifically defined as a burn that occurs due to exposure to a heat source, such as flames, hot liquids (scalds), or steam. This type of burn typically results in damage to the skin and underlying tissues due to direct contact with the heat, leading to varying degrees of severity, from first-degree (superficial) to third-degree (full thickness). The focus here is on the mechanism of injury, which involves heat, making thermal burns distinct from other types that arise from different causes.

Chemical burns result from corrosive substances, electrical burns are caused by electrical currents passing through the body, and radiation burns occur due to exposure to radiation sources. These other types involve different processes and mechanisms for injury, highlighting the unique nature of thermal burns as those specifically related to heat exposure.