Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Types of Burn Injuries and Their Treatment (Part A)
Burn injuries are an extremely serious injury that could include many complications. Not only are burns extremely painful, they can require extensive treatment.
Types of Burns
Burns fall into four categories:
- First Degree
- Second Degree
- Third Degree
- Fourth Degree
First Degree Burns
First degree burns are mild and the easiest burn type to treat. The burn causes some pain and redness of the outer skin (epidermis).
Second Degree Burns
Second degree burns are more serious than first degree and they affect both the dermis (lower lay of skin) and epidermis. This type of burn will cause redness of the skin, and possible swelling and blistering of the skin.
Third Degree Burns
A third degree burn is an extremely serious type of burn. These burns will require medical treatment. The burn affects not only the dermis and epidermis, but the deeper skin tissues as well. The skin will be whitened or blackened with this type of burn, may appear charred, and the skin may be numb. The victim may end up in shock.
Fourth Degree Burns
The most serious of burn types, and sometimes deadly, fourth degree burns damage muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This burn threatens the life and limbs of the patient and grafting will be required if the burn doesn’t prove to be fatal. The skin will be hard and leather-like, possibly include the appearance of a purple fluid, and is usually accompanied by a complete loss of sensation.
Continue to Types of Burn Injuries and Their Treatment (Part B) >>
