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About Third-Degree Burns

The severity of burns to the human body fall into one of four classifications and receive a designated value of first, second, third or fourth degree, depending upon the damage to the skin and underlying muscle and bone. First-degree burns are mild, causing pain, some blistering and redness. Second-degree burns are deeper and involve the dermis. Third-degree burns are severe and prompt medical attention is necessary.

  1. Significance

    • Third-degree burns destroy the epidermis and the dermis, the top two layers of the skin. Charring of the burned flesh is common, and dead tissue, known as eschar, is present. The third layer of skin, the hypodermis, may be involved, resulting in the visibility of opaque white tissue and exposed vessels. Third-degree burns are a medical emergency and only fourth-degree burns, which often result in fatalities, are worse.

    Types

    • Fire is not the only cause of third-degree burns. Scalding water may cause severe burning, especially in those with tender skin, such as the elderly and the very young. Other liquids are even more dangerous--hot oil and sugar-based liquids stick to the skin and burn longer. Alternately, very cold substances may cause third-degree burns. Liquid nitrogen quickly damages the skin and prolonged contact with other liquid refrigerants may result in third-degree burns, although these are not as common. The last type of third-degree burn results from contact with a corrosive, chemical substance.

    Effects

    • Third-degree burns are very painful and burn victims may require heavy sedation to relieve some of the intense pain. The short-term prognosis for third-degree burns relates directly to the percentage of the burn area on the body. Shock may accompany third-degree burns so calling for emergency help is imperative.

    Complications

    • A small third-degree burn may be treatable on an outpatient basis, but burns covering larger portions of the body require hospitalization and perhaps transportation to a burn unit. Those assisting a victim of third-degree heat burns should not pull burned bits of clothing from the wounds or apply any type of ointment or put water or wet compresses on the burns. To do so may increase the risk of shock. However, if the burns are chemical-related you should remove the clothing and flush the skin with cool water for 15 minutes.

    Potential

    • Third-degree burns that cover more than 10 percent of the body's surface are critical and may prove fatal if not treated promptly. A doctor may cut away scabbing from large burns to allow the tissue beneath to heal. Skin grafting is often necessary after a third-degree burn.

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