A third degree burn is a burn that causes injury to all three layers of the skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis). There may also be damage to fat tissue, muscle and bone. It is the most serious type of burn and may result in extensive scarring as well as other injuries and limitations.
Causes:
- Flames.
- Scalding liquid.
- Contact of the skin with an extremely hot object.
- Electrical source. (see electrical burn part I, II)
- Chemical source. (see chemical burn part I, II)
Clinical features:
- Black, white, brown or yellow colored skin.
- Dry and leathery skin.
- The burned area may not be painful because the nerve endings have been burned and destroyed but the area around the burn may be painful.
- Swelling.
- Blister may be present in some areas of the wound.
- Shock, see clinical features of shock.
This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice; it should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.