Burn injuries can vary in severity from first degree, which is relatively mild, all the way up to third degree. Depending on the type of burn faced, the method of treatment and recovery options look different.
This is why it is important to understand as much as possible about burn injuries from the start.
First degree burns
Temple Health discusses burn injuries and their impact on victims. First-degree burns occur most often and do not usually need more medical attention outside of a cursory check. Most sunburns fall under this category. Though the burns will often feel painful and tender, they do not cause damage to the underlying cell structures. Victims do not need to do much more than topically treat the skin and take over-the-counter pain controllers if needed.
Second-degree burns
Second-degree burns are more serious and involve at least two layers of skin. These injuries will often blister and will feel even more painful, even when the area is at rest or not touched by anything else. These injuries require more intensive medical intervention. If the burn is located on the face or covers more than 2 to 3 inches of skin anywhere else, it classifies as a severe burn.
Third-degree burns
All third-degree burns, regardless of size or location, count as severe injuries. These burns will often look white or black and may not even hurt due to nerve damage. Multiple areas of skin get impacted and the medical treatment for such injury often includes skin grafts and other intensive treatment.
It is important to get quick treatment for any type of burn in order to lower the chances of complications or a difficult healing process.