Burns treatment. Image 1 of 4. Superficial burns to a man's right hand, caused by spilling boiling coffee. It shows extensive blistering. The degree of damage depends on the depth of the burn: first degree burns affect only superficial tissue and heal without scarring, while third degree burns destroy the whole skin layer and leave permanent scars. For a sequence showing treatment of the burn, see images M335/156 to M335/159.