The stages of burns are classified into degrees based on the depth of skin damage: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree.
Here's a breakdown of each stage:
First-Degree Burns
- Affects: Only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis).
- Appearance: Redness, pain, and minor swelling.
- Blisters: Typically, no blisters.
- Healing: Usually heals within a week without scarring.
- Example: Mild sunburn.
Second-Degree Burns
- Affects: Both the outer layer (epidermis) and the underlying layer of skin (dermis).
- Appearance: Redness, pain, swelling, and blisters.
- Blisters: Blisters are present and may break open.
- Healing: Can take several weeks to heal and may result in scarring, depending on the depth of the burn.
- Example: Scalding from hot water.
Third-Degree Burns
- Affects: Deep layers of skin, potentially including underlying tissues such as fat, muscle, or bone.
- Appearance: The skin may appear white or charred, leathery, and can be painless (if nerve endings are damaged).
- Blisters: Blisters may or may not be present; if present, they are easily broken.
- Healing: Requires medical treatment, often skin grafting, and always results in scarring.
- Example: Burns from fire or prolonged contact with hot objects.
