MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Burn type differentiation

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Burn type differentiation

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names	Information

Illustrations

Burns

Burn, blister - close-up

Burn, thermal - close-up

Alternative Names Return to top

Types of burns

Information Return to top

Question:

What is the difference between first-, second-, and third-degree burns?

Answer:

First-degree burns involve red skin, mild swelling, and some pain.
Second-degree burns are very painful and involve red skin with blisters that may open and ooze clear fluid.
Third-degree burns are often extremely painful. However, they may be painless if nerves have been damaged. In this type of burn, layers of skin are destroyed and skin appears brown or charred.

See burns for more information.

Update Date: 10/19/2007

Updated by: Hebe Molmenti, M.D., Ph.D., Private Practice specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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