Determining the Seriousness of a Burn

Topic 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. See a picture of a first-degree burn.
  • 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.

Related Information

• Burns
• Swelling

Credits