All thermal burns (from fire or flame) cause an injury to the different layers of the skin. The type of burn and the severity of the burn depends on the number of layers of skin affected.

Traditionally burns were described using the word degrees (first, second, and third). Now most doctors describe burns as to their thickness (superficial, partial, and full).
The depth of injury is determined by the intensity and duration of heat exposure.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy:

• Causes vasoconstriction preventing cellular fluid loss inhibits wound infection
• Promotes epthelialization of the wound
• Effective against CO poisoning caused by smoke inhalation
• Reduces fluid requirements
• Counteracts ischemia of the affected tissues
• Reduces scarring
• Reduces edema
• Reduces length of hospitalization