Burns
| Feature | 1st-degree Burn (Superficial Burn) | 2nd-degree Burn (Superficial Partial Thickness Burn) | 2nd-degree Burn (Deep Partial Thickness Burn) | 3rd-degree Burn (Full Thickness Burn) | 4th-degree Burn (Deeper Injury Burn) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affected Tissue Layers | Superficial layers of the epidermis | - Epidermis and upper layers of the dermis (papillary dermis) - Dermal appendages (hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands) are spared. |
Deeper layers of the dermis (papillary and reticular dermis) | Epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue | Epidermis, dermis, and deeper structures (muscles, fat, fascia, and bones) |
| Pain | Yes (localized pain) | Yes (especially with the movement of air or changes in temperature in the area surrounding the wound) | Yes (pain is typically felt on applying pressure) | No (perception of deep pressure is intact) | No (minimal perception of deep pressure) |
| Wound Blanching on Pressure | Yes, rapid refill | Yes, slow refill | No | No | No |
| Appearance | Similar to sunburn. Localized features include: Erythema, Swelling, Skin appears dry. No blistering. |
Erythema, Swelling, Increased temperature of affected skin, Vesicles/bullae | Vesicles/bullae: fragile (rupture easily). Mottled coloration of the skin with red and/or white patches | Tissue necrosis with black, waxy-white, or gray leather-like skin (eschar). Skin appears dry and inelastic | Same to 3rd-degree burn |
| Prognosis | Healing within 3–6 days | Healing within 1–3 weeks | Healing takes 3 weeks or longer. | The burn does not heal by itself. | The tissue is dead and requires amputation. |