Anatomy and Physiology: Types of Burns.
Everyone tends to over-exaggerate once in a while. But when you get a burn, it is always nice to know whether or not it is serious. This is why everyone should be able to distinguish between the different types of burns: first degree, second degree, and third degree.
The first-degree burn is the least serious type of burn. It penetrates only the top layer of skin, known as the epidermis. When you get a burn, you will know it is first-degree if the burn site is red and painful but contains no blisters. With this type, long-term tissue damage is very unlikely, but if it does occur, an increase or decrease of skin pigment results. You can treat this type of burn fairly easily. A cold compression may be applied and some asprin may help take your mind off of the pain. Two common burns of this type are mild sunburn and flash burn, a sudden brief burst of heat. .
More serious is the second-degree burn. It can result from scald injuries, flames, or skin that comes briefly in contact with a hot object. These types of burns not only penetrate the epidermis, but the dermis as well. Depending on the seriousness of the burn, second-degree burns can be classified into two categories. They can be either superficial partial-thickness, which harm the epidermis and upper half of the dermis, or deep partial-thickness, which penetrate the epidermis and deeper down into the dermis. You will know that you have this type of burn if your skin is blistered, red, swollen, or painful. The skin may have a wet and shiny appearance or appear to be discolored in an irregular pattern. To treat this, you need to seek a medical professional. You may be administered antibiotic ointments and painkillers. .
The most serious type of burn is known as the third-degree burn. This type of burn requires immediate medical attention. Scalding liquids, contacting a hot object for an extended period of time, flames from a fire, electrical sources, and chemical sources can cause these types of burns.
