Second degree burn. Close-up of a child's hand showing extensive blistering caused by a second degree burn. Most burns are due to accidents in the home, and are more common amongst the young and elderly. Burns to the palm are frequently caused by unknowingly picking up a hot object, or by spilling hot liquid. Burns are classified according to the damage they do. Sunburn, and other reddenings of the skin, are called first degree burns. If there is blistering and deeper skin damage, as here, they are second degree burns. Third degree burns destroy the entire skin thickness, and may expose muscle and bone.