How to Describe First, Second & Third Degree Burns

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each day 435 children are treated in emergency rooms for burn-related injuries. Burns are classified based on degree, which indicates how much damage has occurred to the skin. There are numerous signs and symptoms that help determine the type of burn, and being able to differentiate burn degree is important in determining the proper treatment. Burns should be treated quickly to reduce damage to the skin and prevent permanent scarring.

Instructions

• 1

  Discuss how burns occur. First-degree burns can be caused by too much exposure to the sun, scalding water, hot grease or contact with a hot surface, while second- and third-degree burns can be caused by flames and chemicals.

• 2

  Talk about the color of the skin, which varies depending on the burn. First-degree burns are red like a sunburn, second-degree burns are bright red and splotchy, and third-degree burns cause the skin to appear black or white.

• 3

  Describe the skin's appearance. Mild swelling may be the only apparent change to the skin with first-degree burns. Blisters, flaking skin and pus may be present with second-degree burns. Third-degree burns affect all layers of the skin and causes it to look burnt or leathery.

• 4

  Discuss the differences in pain. There may be slight pain with a first-degree burn because only the top layer of skin is affected. However, since second-degree burns damage deeper layers of the skin, there is intense pain and swelling. Despite the appearance of third-degree burns, there may be no pain at the actual burn site; instead, areas surrounding the burn can be very painful.

• 5

  Address additional symptoms that may accompany the burn, such as difficulty breathing. This is particularly important with regard to third-degree burns, especially if sustained in a fire.