Burn depth is described as first, second, or third degree:
First-degree burns
- Involve only the epidermis
- Tissue blanches with pressure
- Tissue is erythematous and often painful
- Tissue damage is minimal
Second-degree burns
- Also referred to partial-thickness burns
- Epidermis and portions of the dermis are involved
- The burned area characteristically has blisters and is very painful.
Third-degree burns
- Also referred to full-thickness burns
- Charring of skin or a translucent white color, with coagulated vessels visible below
- The area is insensate, but the patient complains of pain, which is usually a result of surrounding second-degree burns
- As all of the skin tissue and structures are destroyed, healing is very slow
- Often associated with extensive scarring
First aid to patient:
- Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cold running water for at least ten minutes
- Remove constricting clothing and jewelry to prevent these items from exerting a tourniquet-like effect following the development of burn edema.
- Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage, in order to avoid wound infection
- For major burn, seek medical advice as soon as possible