Determining the seriousness of a burn
The seriousness of a burn is determined by:
- The depth of the burn (first-, second-, third-, or fourth-degree).
- First-degree burns are burns of the first layer of skin. See a picture of a first-degree burn
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- Second-degree burns. There are two types of second-degree burns:
- Superficial partial-thickness burns injure the first and second layers of skin. See a picture of this type of second-degree burn
- Deep partial-thickness burns injure deeper skin layers. See a picture of this type of deep second-degree burn
- Third-degree burns (full-thickness burns) injure all the skin layers and tissue under the skin. See a picture of a third-degree burn
- Fourth-degree burns extend through the skin to injure muscle, ligaments, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and bones. These burns always require medical treatment.
- The size of the burn.
- The cause (thermal, electrical, chemical, radiation, or friction).
- The part of the body where the burn occurred.
- The age and health of the burn victim.
- Other injuries.
What to think about
It is important to watch for signs of infection during the healing of any burn.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: January 7, 2009 |
| Medical Review: |
William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
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