MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Burn type differentiation

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Burn type differentiation

Contents of this page:
Illustrations	Information

Illustrations

Burns

Burn, blister - close-up

Burn, thermal - close-up

Information Return to top

Question:
What is the difference between first-, second-, and third-degree burns?

Answer:
See burns for more details and first aid information.

First-degree: red skin, mild swelling, some pain.
Second-degree: red skin with blisters that may open and ooze clear fluid, very painful.
Third-degree: both layers of skin are destroyed, skin appears brown or charred, can be either extremely painful or painless (if the nerves have been damaged).

Update Date: 11/4/2003

Updated by: Hebe Molmenti, M.D., Ph.D., Private Practice specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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