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:
A second degree burn is caused by injury to the epidermis which is the first layer of the skin and the dermis which is the second layer of the skin.
Causes:
Prevention:
Burns of all degrees including first degree can be avoided or decreased by following simple measures, burns caused by scalding with hot water can be prevented by careful handling of hot liquids, turning pot handles on the stove out of the reach of children, check the temperature of the bath water before putting the child in the tub, setting the water heater thermostat no higher than 120°F (49°C), install radiator covers, insulate exposed stem pipes, properly placed and working smoke detectors, children must be taught never to play with matches, lighters, gasoline, never allow children to handle fireworks without adult supervision.
Sunburns may be prevented by the liberal use of a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 and above, use protective coverings like hats, loose clothing, and umbrellas, avoid spending time in the sun between 10 am and 3 pm when the most damaging ultraviolet rays are present.
A first degree burn is caused due to injury to the epidermis which is the outer first layer of the skin; it involves minimal tissue damage and is the least serious type of burn.
Causes:
One of the common complications that a burn patient may experience is a scar depending on the severity of the injury. Scars may lead to physical and emotional distress. One of the methods used to deal with and decrease the incidence of scaring is the use of compression garments.
Compression garments are used in the treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars, they work by applying pressure to the affected area which helps flatten and improve the appearance of scar.
There are different kinds of compression garments like Ace bandage, pre-fabricated garments and custom made garments.
A hypertrophic scar is an elevated scar that appears red, thick and raised as a lump on the skin, hypertrophic scars usually feel firm to the touch, and they may be sensitive to changes in temperature or texture. They don’t grow beyond the injury site or incision (unlike a keloid scar which grows beyond the original site of the injury). Hypertrophic scars usually start to develop within weeks after the injury and often improve in appearance with time, which may take few years.
There is no simple cure for hypertrophic scars. Compression garment is one of the methods used in the treatment. Steroid may be used as an injection into the hypertrophied area or as a topical application. Surgery may be used to remove these scars, often in conjunction with the use of steroid injection. Steroid treatment may continue even after the surgery to maximize healing and decrease the chance of recurrence of these scars.
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.
Burn Injury Resource Center