Signs of Your 3rd Degree Burn Getting Better or Worse

A third-degree burn is the second worst burn that the human body can sustain. A third-degree burn is classified by whether or not the burn extends through the entire layer of dermis tissue and results in dry and leathery skin. Third-degree burns often result in amputation of a particular limb, skin grafting or at least heavy scarring. However, for someone that has a third-degree burn, there are signs that can be seen to determine if the burn is becoming better or worse.

Skin Appearance

• If a third-degree burn is becoming worse, the skin will become more dry and will have a more leathery feel to it. The skin will often get darker and flake off if the burn is not yet very intense. The skin will start to shrivel a little bit and become easily aggravated.

  If the burn is getting better, the skin will start to slowly smooth out and start to gain more color. The skin will still flake a little, but the flaking will be getting rid of scar tissue so that new skin can grow and cover the area. If the skin looks acrylic or fake, the burn is starting to heal, but it still should be treated with care. The skin will appear more and more natural as it gets closer to recovery.

Pain

• Pain is also instrumental in telling whether a burn is getting better or worse. If the area of the skin where the burn is is painless and just feels slightly tingly, the burn is getting worse. This is because the nerves below the skin have become damaged and are no longer able to relay information to pain receptors.

  If the burn is becoming slightly more painful, do not panic; this is natural. This means that the nerves below the skin are regenerating and are simply able to pick up on the fact that your skin is damaged. This will also prompt faster healing.

Discoloration

• If the skin becomes discolored and takes on a purplish or blue appearance, this means that the burn has become infected and will only get worse. At this point, those suffering from the burn should seek immediate medical attention. Discolored skin that has sustained a burn can result in forced amputation of the limb or appendage or begin developing gangrene. The skin in this area will become warm to the touch.

Dehydration

• If a burn is becoming worse, water is leaked out through the skin in the form of heat. This causes the patient to become easily dehydrated. Oftentimes, this will require IV fluids to counter the fast pace in which water is lost. If the patient is easily able to retain water, the burn is most likely getting better.

Orientation

• The strain that a burn puts on a person's pain receptors can cause the patient to lose focus and often become confused. If the patient is able to focus on something for longer periods of time and is not delirious, this means the burn is getting better.