Overview of burn depths

 Partial thickness burns:

 First degree burns (superficial):

•  May blister and peel in a few days (ie. sunburn). 
• Heals in 3-6 days
• Generally no scarring
• Topical creams provide relief
• Antibiotics not needed
• Drink water

Second degree burns (deeper partial thickness):

• Blisters are typical.
• Heals in 14-21 days.
• Blisters provide biologic dressing and comfort. (Don’t be in a hurry to break the blisters.)
• Once blisters break, red raw surface will be very painful.
• Usually do not require surgery.

Full thickness burns:

Third degree burns (full thickness): 

• Waxy, white, tan or charred and possibly blistered.  
• Swelling and hair loss are always present. 
• May have areas of no sensation because the nerve endings are damaged. 
• The area surrounding the full thickness burn is usually painful.
• Natural healing of small burns is possible but with risk of infection and scarring. 
• Surgery is usually required. 

Fourth degree (deep full thickness):

• Charred and hard to the touch.  
• The burn extends past the dermis into the tissue, muscle and bone. 
• Even after the skin is no longer in contact with the heat source, damage may continue in the remaining cells.