determining the seriousness of a burn

overview

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
- second-degree burns. there are two types of second-degree burns:
  - superficial partial-thickness burns injure the first and second layers of skin.
  - deep partial-thickness burns injure deeper skin layers.
- third-degree burns (full-thickness burns) injure all the skin layers and tissue under the skin. these burns always require medical treatment.
- 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.

related information

credits

current as of: november 16, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
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