Final answer:
While the primary cause of burns can vary, hot liquids are often cited as the leading cause, especially in domestic settings. Other significant causes include electricity, chemicals, and fire, each capable of inflicting severe skin injuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Burns are injuries to the skin and underlying tissues primarily caused by hot liquids, electricity, chemicals, or fire. The primary cause of burns in adolescents and adults can vary, but common causes include scalding from hot liquids or steam, electrical burns from exposed wires or power sources, chemical burns from strong acids or bases, and thermal burns from direct contact with flames.
The skin can be damaged by intense heat, radiation, electricity, or chemicals, leading to cell death, dehydration, and potential complications like electrolyte imbalance, renal, and circulatory failure. Serious cases of burns can be fatal if not treated with interventions such as intravenous fluids and nutrients. Moreover, the risk of infection is significantly increased in burned skin, necessitating careful wound care. It's important to note that while all these causes are significant, hot liquids are often cited as a leading cause of burns, especially in the home setting.