Categories of Burn Injuries
Burns are categorized into three categories‚ according to their severity:
- First-degree burns damage only the outer layer of skin. The result is usually reddened skin that heals in about a week.
- Second-degree burns damage the first two layers of skin. These burns are characterized by deep reddening of the skin, pain, blisters, glossy appearance from leaking fluid, and possible loss of some skin.
- Third-degree burns involve damage to all of the layers of skin‚ plus the tissues below the surface of the skin. This level of burn is serious‚ and may include complications such as infection and death. This type of burn produces a white or black dry wound, followed by permanent scarring.