Source: safakc1 (Envato Elements)
It’s common knowledge that burns come in degrees. And almost everyone knows that first degree burns are the least severe, while third degree burns are a serious cause for concern.
But few people know that there are four – not three – degrees of burn severity.
And even fewer people know exactly what separates each type of burn, or how to identify them.
What Determines a Burn’s Degree?
The short version is that the degree of the burn refers to how deep it has penetrated into the skin.
First degree burns affect the surface layer only. By the third degree, you’re dealing with a burn that has penetrated into the deepest layers of the skin.
What Are the Four Degrees of Burns?
- First Degree Burns: Only the top layer of the skin (the epidermis) is affected. Since this layer can regenerate itself, these burns do not result in permanent damage or scarring.
- Second Degree Burns: Affect both the first and second layers of the skin (the epidermis and the dermis). Depending on the severity of the burn, there may be some scarring after recovery.
- Third Degree Burns: A “full thickness” burn that affects every layer of the skin (the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis). Unlike first and second degree burns, it not only damages the skin but destroys it.
- Fourth Degree Burns: A less commonly used category that refers to burns that not only destroy the skin but also damage deeper tissue, which can include fat, muscle, and bone.
How to Identify Each Category of Burn
When you or someone else has been suffered a burn, the proper response will depend on the severity of the injury. Here’s how to tell which type of burn you’re dealing with.
- First degree burns are painful and leave the affected area looking red and dry.
- Second degree burns are also painful and leave the skin looking red, but the telltale signs are swelling and blistering.
- Third degree burns leave the skin looking white, bright red, or charred black – in many cases, a combination of the three. Because burns of this severity damage the nerve endings, there is often numbness and a lack of sensation in the area, making it much less painful than a second degree burn.
- Fourth degree burns have the same appearance as a third degree bur
n, except that some muscle or bone may be exposed and visible.
First Aid Response for Different Types of Burns
Once you have identified the type of burn you’re dealing with, what are your next steps?
First Degree Burns
First degree burns are relatively minor and can be treated with simple first aid procedures.
The main thing to do is cool the burn by running it under cold water or holding a cold compress on it. Once the pain starts to subside, treat the burn with petroleum jelly and cover the affected area with a sterile bandage.
Second Degree Burns
Depending on the severity of the burn, it can either be treated with first aid or require medical attention.
Go to the emergency room if the second-degree burn is:
- Bigger than 3 inches in diameter
- On a sensitive area (face, hands, feet, joints, or the groin)
For more minor cases, you can treat it by:
- Running the affected area under cool water
- Removing any jewelry or clothing that may become too tight if the skin swells
- Washing the affected area gently and carefully (avoid breaking any blisters that form)
- Loosely wrapping the affected area with a bandage if the skin or a blister breaks
Third and Fourth Degree Burns
Third and fourth degree burns are always medical emergencies. Call 9-1-1 or your area’s emergency line immediately.
Unlike first and second degree burns, the best thing to do is to wait for the medical first responders. Do not soak the burned area or try to remove any clothing that is clinging to the skin.
Try to keep the person who has suffered the burn still. Because third degree burns tend not to be painful, they may attempt to get up or walk around. Encourage them to stay seated or lying down so they don’t make the condition worse.
Ready to learn more? Check out our free webinar on First Aid for Fleet Vehicles and Remote Workplaces!
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