Burn Classification
Caution!
First Degree Burn (Superficial)
- Includes only the outer layer of skin, the epidermis
- Skin is usually irritated and painful
- The same as superficial sunburn without blisters
- Looks dry
- Healing occurs in 3-5 days, injured epithelium peels away from the healthy skin
- You can be hospitalized for pain control and fluid imbalance.
Second Degree Burn (Partial Thickness)
- It is classified as partial thickness
- Blisters can occur
- Involve the entire epidermis and upper layers of the dermis
- Wound will be pink, red in color, painful and wet appearing
- Wound will blanch when pressure is applied
- Should heal in several weeks (10-21 days) without grafting, scarring is usually minimal
Third Degree Burn (Full Thickness)
- All layers of the skin is destroyed
- Extend into the subcutaneous tissues
- Areas can look, black or white and will be dry
- Can have a leathery looking texture
- Will not blanch when pressure is applied
- Painless
How to Prevent Burns
- Establish a fire escape plan with two ways out of the house, plus a designated meeting place once out of the house. Practice the fire escape plan regularly.
- Keep an emergency ladder on upper floors of your home in the event of a fire. Keep the ladder in or near the room of an adult or older child capable of using it.
- Make sure you have a smoke alarm on every level of your home and in each bedroom. Test smoke alarms monthly and remember to change the batteries twice a year.
- Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older.
- Install a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it.