Assessment and Degree of Burn

The categories of burns are established on the complexity of the injury, referred to as the degree of burns. There are three main categories.

First-degree burns

This is the least critical burn category. A first-degree burn only disturbs the external layer of skin, referred to as the epidermis. First-degree burns have the ability to inflict discomfort and redness, but no sores or open lesions. The most common type of first-degree burn is a sunburn. First-degree burns take approximately one week to heal. At-home remedies such as soaking the afflicted skin in cool water and covering it with a sterilized bandage produce positive healing results. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) can relieve minor burn discomfort.

Second-degree burns

Second-degree burns are referred to as partial thickness burns as well. These burns are more critical than first-degree burns. Second-degree burns disturb the exterior and the middle layer of the skin, referred to as the epidermis and the dermis. Second-degree burn injuries can cause discomfort, redness, and lesions. Minor second-degree burns can be healed with antibiotic topical creams and disinfected wraps. More critical second-degree burns may require an operation referred to as a skin graft. A skin graft uses either biological or synthetic skin to cover and protect the injured location of the body while it repairs. Second-degree burns can leave behind significant scarring.

Third-degree burns

Third-degree burns are also referred to as full thickness burns. This is an extremely critical category of burn. It impairs the exterior, middle, and interior layers of the skin. The interior layer is also referred to as the fat layer. Third-degree burns regularly damage hair follicles, sweat glands, nerve endings, and other tissues of the skin. These burns can be incredibly agonizing. If nerve cells have been impaired, a burn victim may be unable to feel the extreme injury they sustained initially. Third-degree burns can leave behind intense, lifelong scarring and typically require skin grafts to recover.