burns are classified based upon their depth. a first degree burn is superficial and causes local inflammation of the skin. sunburns often are categorized as first degree burns. the inflammation is characterized by pain redness and a mild amount of swelling. the skin may be very tender to touch. second degree burns are deeper and in addition to the pain redness and inflammation there is also blistering of the skin. third degree burns are deeper still involving all layers of the skin in effect killing that area of skin. because the nerves and blood vessels are damaged third degree burns appear white and leathery and tend to be relatively painless. burns are not static and may mature. over a few hours a first degree burn may involve deeper structures and become second degree. think of a sunburn that blisters the next day. similarly second degree burns may evolve into third degree burns. regardless of the type of burn inflammation and fluid accumulation in and around the wound occur. moreover it should be noted that the skin is the body's first defense against infection by microorganisms. a burn is also a break in the skin and the risk of infection exists both at the site of the injury and potentially throughout the body. only the epidermis has the ability to regenerate itself. burns that extend deeper may cause permanent injury and scarring and not allow the skin in that area to return to normal function.
how are burns classified?