The less severe of the two are moderate partial thickness burns, also known as superficial partial thickness burns. The two names refer to the same burn, which is indicated by a shallower degree of burn into the dermis. In this burn, the epidermis and the upper layer of the dermis are both damaged. However, adnexal structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands, are usually not damaged. The skin is usually a pale red or pink with blisters or moisture present. Unfortunately, this is usually the burn that causes the most pain, as a deeper burn has happened, but not deep enough to affect the nerve containing pain receptors. The more severe of the two sub classifications of partial thickness burns is the deep partial thickness burn, also known as a severe partial thickness burn. This burn is identified by the darker red skin that may or may not present with blisters. In this more sever burn, adnexal structures are often damaged. Due to the deeper involvement of this burn, pain sensation may be dulled, but the patient may still feel pain. Because of the similarities between full thickness burns and deep partial thickness burns, the two can sometimes be difficult to distinguish. Care providers can use capillary refill, pain level, and skin elasticity help reduce the likelihood of misidentification, as the severe partial thickness burn patients will still feel some pain, have slowed or sluggish capillary refill, and maintain some elasticity whereas full thickness patients will most likely feel no pain, have absent capillary refill, and feel no pain due to the nerves being heavily damaged. .
Patients who receive proper care starting from initial care providers through definitive care and rehabilitation usually have much better outcomes than patients who received inappropriate care. Initial care for patients with partial thickness burns begins the same as with all burns. First line of care involves removing the patient from the source of burn and stopping any further burning.
