First-degree burns are usually limited to redness (erythema), a white plaque, and minor pain at the site of injury. These burns usually extend only into the epidermis.
Second-degree burns additionally fill with clear fluid, have superficial blistering of the skin, and can involve more or less pain depending on the level of nerve involvement. Second-degree burns involve the superficial (papillary) dermis and may also involve the deep (reticular) dermis layer.
Third-degree burns are which most of the epidermis is lost. they additionally have charring of the skin, and sometimes produce hard eshcars. An eschar is a scab that has separated from the unaffected part of the body. These types of burns are often considered painless, because nerve endings have been destroyed in the burned areas. However, there is in reality a significant amount of pain involved in a third degree burn. Hair follicles and sweat glands may also be lost. Third degree burns result in scarring although surgery and elastic banding of the skin can smooth the scarred skin.
Fourth-degree burns are burns in which most the dermis is lost often exposing and burning the muscle underneath. These burns usually present hard-to-reverse damage to the skin and there is very few sensation in the burn area as a result. These type of burns will require hospitalization. Grafting is needed to close up the areas.
Fifth-degree burns are which most of the hypodermis is lost charring the muscle underneath. These types of burn may leave bone exposed, thoroughly surviving muscle tissue to the point of immobility. Sometimes, fifth-degree burns can be fatal
Sixth-degree burnsare burn types in which all muscle tissue in the area is burned away leaving almost nothing but nothing but charred bone. Often, sixth-degree burns are deadly. Sixth-degree burns are the highest burn category.
June 30, 2008
