Burn Classifications
Severity of Burn Injuries
- First Degree Burns: are burns that affect only the epidermis (surface layer) of your skin and appear red and dry. These burns can be caused by a variety of sources, but most frequently by exposure to the sun. Although, superficial, first degree burns can be painful and last up to a week to heal.
- Second Degree Burns: are burns that extend below the epidermis to the superficial (papillary) or into the deep (reticular) dermis. These burns appear red with clear and/or bloody blisters. Second degree burns appear moist, are painful and can take two weeks to several months to heal. Potential complications from second degree burns include local infection, cellulitis, scarring, contractures and may require excision and skin grafting.
- Third Degree Burns: are full-thickness burns that extend through the entire dermis. These burns appear white and/or brown and are stiff, dry and leathery. Third degree burns almost always require excision. Potential complications include scarring, contractures and possible amputation.
- Fourth Degree Burns: are burns that extend through the skin, subcutaneous tissue and into underlying muscle and bone. Fourth degree burns appear charred and require excision and/or amputation and result in significant functional impairment.
Burn Degrees
Burn Degree Classifications