What describes a thermal burn?

• A. Occurs when chemical is spilled on skin.
• B. Occurs via electricity.
• C. Occurs when hot metals, scalding liquids, steam, or flames come in contact with your skin.
• D. Occurs from friction

Answer: (C)

A burn caused by heat transfer from a hot source is a thermal burn. The description that lists hot metals, scalding liquids, steam, or flames coming into contact with the skin matches this type perfectly because these are common heat sources that deliver thermal energy to tissue. The other options describe different mechanisms: chemical burns come from corrosive substances on the skin, electrical burns result from current passing through the body, and friction burns occur from rubbing that generates heat or abrasion. Understanding the mechanism helps guide immediate management, such as stopping the heat source and cooling the area for thermal burns, while recognizing that chemical or electrical burns require specific, separate interventions.