Determining the Seriousness of a Burn

The seriousness of a burn is determined by:

• The depth of the burn (first-, second-, third-, or fourth-degree).
  • Reference First-degree burns Opens New Window are burns of the first layer of skin. See a picture of a Reference first-degree burn Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window.
  • Reference Second-degree burns Opens New Window. There are two types of second-degree burns:
    • Superficial partial-thickness burns injure the first and second layers of skin. See a picture of this type of Reference second-degree burn Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window.
    • Deep partial-thickness burns injure deeper skin layers. See a picture of this type of Reference deep second-degree burn Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window.
  • Reference Third-degree burns Opens New Window (full-thickness burns) injure all the skin layers and tissue under the skin. See a picture of a Reference third-degree burn Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window.
  • Fourth-degree burns extend through the skin to injure muscle, Reference ligaments Opens New Window, Reference tendons Opens New Window, nerves, blood vessels, and bones. These burns always require medical treatment.
• The size of the burn.
• The cause (thermal, electrical, chemical, radiation, or friction).
• The part of the body where the burn occurred.
• The age and Reference health of the burn victim.
• Other injuries.

What to think about

It is important to watch for Reference signs of infection Opens New Window during the healing of any burn.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.