Burns (4)

Cards (5)

  • Burns are thermal injuries to the outer surface of the body.
  • Burns can be classified according to 3 major categories depending on the degree of severity:
    1. First-degree burns
    2. Second-degree burns
    3. Third-degree burns
  • Burns - First Degree (Superficial)
    • Are superficial burns.
    • The skin damage is limited to the top or outer layer of the epidermis. These burns are distinguished by redness of skin (erythema) and extreme sensitivity (hyperesthesia) to sensory stimuli, especially touch.
    • Example: Sunburn
  • Burns - Second Degree (Partial Thickness)
    • Are characterized by the formation of fluid-filled blisters (vesicles or bullae) caused by deeper penetration of heat. In most instances these kind of burn will not result in the formation of scar tissue and regeneration can occur if no infection.
  • Burns - Third Degree (Full-Thickness)

    Penetrate both the epidermis and dermis and can extend into subcutaneous tissue, bone and muscle. It causes a complete destruction of skin tissue and represent the most serious type of burn.

    This type of burn results in scar formation and can be altered only by the process of skin grafting (dermatoplasty).