What Is the Difference Between a Second & a Third Degree Burn?

Burns can be caused by everything from dry heat and wet heat to chemicals and electricity. When dealing with burns it is essential to know the difference between the more serious, second- and third-degree burn so that you can treat them accordingly. Treating burns incorrectly can lead to infections, shock and an increase in pain.

Severity

• To determine what degree of burn you are dealing with, you have to distinguish its severity by looking at the damage done to body tissues. Second-degree burns are those that have burned through the epidermis, or the first layer of skin. They have also burned the dermis, or the second layer of skin. A severe second-degree burn that is improperly treated can turn into a third-degree burn due to decreased blood circulation and swelling in the tissue. Third-degree burns are the most severe burns. They destroy all layers of the skin -- the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis.

Symptoms

• Second- and third-degree burns differ when it comes to the symptoms the victim experiences. Second-degree burns are painful and can cause the victim to display shock-symptoms including pale skin and bluish fingernails and lips. The skin will be red and swollen and displays blisters that can break open, making the area to appear wet. Third-degree burn victims may experience numbness and little to no pain if the nerves are damaged. The skin will appear dry, leathery, brown, white or charred, and shock-symptoms can occur.

Treatment

• To treat second-degree burns less than 3 inches in diameter, you should cool off the burned area by applying cold compresses or by placing the burned area under cool, running water until the pain subsides. Sterile gauze bandages can be placed over the burns to protect the skin and the victim can be given an over-the-counter pain reliever. A second-degree burn that is larger than 3 inches in diameter requires medical assistance and should be treated as a third-degree burn. Emergency medical care should be acquired immediately when dealing with third-degree burns. CPR should be administered if the victim has stopped breathing. If possible, the burned body parts should be elevated above heart level. The burned area can be covered with moist sterile bandages, cloths or towels.

Healing Time

• The healing time for second-degree burns depends on the severity of the burn. Minor second-degree burns that are smaller than 3 inches in diameter can take up to three weeks to heal. Changes in pigment may occur as the skin heals. Burn victims with burns less than 1 year old should use sunscreen and avoid tanning because these can worsen the pigment changes in the skin. Deep second-degree burns and third-degree burns take a long time to heal, depending on their severity. They can require hospitalization for several day or many weeks. The skin is permanently damaged and may require skin grafts. Plastic surgery may be desired on the scarring that is left once the burn has healed.