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Difference Between First-, Second- & Third-Degree Burns

A burn occurs when your skin is damaged by sunlight, fire, hot liquids, electricity or nuclear radiation. Burns are assigned one of three classifications depending on their severity.

  1. First-Degree Burn

    • Hot beverages, cigarettes or hot grease may burn the outer layer of the skin--the epidermis--resulting in first-degree burn, pain, redness and swelling. Place the burned area under cool water for 15 to 20 minutes to minimize heat, wrap the area with a wet towel for pain relief and apply vitamin C or aloe-based cream to avoid infection and improve healing.

    Second-Degree Burn

    • Hot liquids, severe sunburns or chemicals burn the second layer of the skin--the dermis--resulting in second-degree burn, thicker skin, scarring and blistering. Provide first aid depending on the burn; place the burned area under cool water or apply a sterile gauze pad over the area if there are open blisters.

    Third-Degree Burn

    • Flames, corrosive chemicals, electricity or nuclear radiation will burn the third layer of the skin--the hypodermis--resulting in third-degree burn, leathery skin, extreme scarring and fluid loss. Take the victim to the burn unit of a hospital, where doctors may provide sterile bandages over the burned area, provide fluid replacement or apply skin grafts--a patch of healthy skin attached over the burned area for healing.

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