Burn Degrees

The following are the three types of burn degrees:

First Degree

First-degree burns affect the outer layer of skin, which is called the epidermis. They are moist, red in color and cause pain, redness and swelling. First-degree burns are partial-thickness burns because of their depth. They will heal spontaneously. A sunburn is an example of a first-degree burn.

Second Degree

Second-degree burns are also partial-thickness burns. The second-degree burn is a serious burn that causes destruction of tissue layers deep into the skin. Second-degree burns involve destruction of both the outer and the underlying layers of skin. It effects all of the epidermal layers and extends into the dermis.

These burns are classified as either superficial or deep.

Superficial burns effect the outermost part of the dermis, which causes pain, is hypersensitive to touch, and usually causes blisters and redness.

Deep burns cause damage to the deepest layers of the dermis. They appear like the superficial burns but usually are dry and white. These burns are usually painful, may take three to four weeks to heal, and may result in thick scarring.

These burns are usually caused by contact with hot liquid and flames. The burned area looks like blisters and the skin is often cherry red or pink. Second-degree burns are usually treated without surgery but sometimes need skin grafting.

Third Degree

The most serious of all burns are third-degree burns, in which all the layers of skin are destroyed. Sometimes third-degree burns also affect underlying tissue. They extend deeper into the skin and destroy all of the epidermis and dermal layers, extending to the subcutaneous layers. This turns the skin brown or black, gives it a leathery appearance, and often makes it separate from the surrounding tissue. The nerve endings are destroyed from the burn and therefore these burns usually not painful.

Third-degree burns are typically caused by contact with hot liquid, flame or electricity. After being burned, the skin appears white, pearly or leathery. The skin must be replaced either through transplantation or grafting. Treating third-degree burns usually involves debridement, which is the removal of dead skin, and surgical skin grafting.

Information

For more information about Shands Burn Center at the University of Florida, please call the Shands HealthCare Consultation Center at (800) 749-7424 or (352) 265-8000.

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Make an Appointment

To make an appointment or find out more information about the Burn Center at Shands at the University of Florida, please call 352.265.8000 or toll-free 1.800.749.7424

You may also email our Consultation Center (consult@shands.ufl.edu) or use our secure online form.