Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFirst-Degree SunburnSecond-Degree BurnsThird-Degree BurnsTreatmentWhen Burns HealInfected Burns
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
First-Degree Sunburn
Second-Degree Burns
Third-Degree Burns
Treatment
When Burns Heal
Infected Burns
Burn injuries have specific differences in affected tissue depth, color, and other features used to categorize first-, second-, or third-degree burns. They can be used todifferentiate burnsthat affect just one site or are a mix across the body, sometimes in various stages of healing.
Pictures of several types of burns, as well as infected burn pictures, can help you to identify your burn condition. Talk to your healthcare provider to ensure accurate burn assessment and proper treatment.
Sunburnsare typicallyfirst-degreeburns but can also becomesecond-degree burns. The difference depends on the depth of the burn or the thickness of the skin that was injured.
If only the surface of the skin, or top layer, was burned, it’s considered superficial and called a first-degree burn.Signs of first-degree burns include:
First-degree burns don’t blister.Blisteringis a sign that the burn got deep enough to injure the second layer of skin. When that happens, the skin layers start to separate, which leads to blistering.
Sharon E. Lowe / Getty Images
Superficial Second-Degree Burn
Blisters are the most common sign of a second-degree burn, with brief scalding a common cause. Most symptoms of a second-degree burn are similar to first-degree burns. However, second-degree burns considered partial thickness will also have:
Some second-degree burns will heal on their own, though it can take up to three weeks.Pain relief may be needed but over-the-counter products like Advil (ibuprofen) are likely enough.
The burns may be considered severe if they potentially cause a loss of function in a body part or system. Second-degree burns that involve the face, hands, feet, genitalia, or major joints are considered severe and require immediate attention.When healthcare providers determine the severity of a burn, they calculate the type and extent of burn surface.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoGetty Images
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Getty Images
Second-Degree Road Rash
Road rash is common in cycling or pedestrian accidents involving vehicles.You can also get friction burns from things like rugs (rug burns) or ropes (rope burns).
Signs of second-degree road rash include:
Friction burns can cause damage that’s similar to other burns, and the body surface calculations and other approaches toroad rashtreatment can be similar. The burn treatment unit may assist with trauma care.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photoftwitty / Getty Images
ftwitty / Getty Images
Second-Degree Electrical Burn
Electrical burnsoccur when you touch a source of electricity that delivers a shock.
Most electrical burns are thermal, or heat burns from arcs. They typically occur in older people rather than children, often in the workplace.Arc blasts, for example, are the blinding white sparks that jump across wires. They generate heat at thousands of degrees Fahrenheit and burn instantly.
The electrical burn in this image is a second-degree burn. Note the blister that occurred when the burn went through the top layer of skin down into the second layer of skin. More serious burns are common.
Image courtesy of NIOSH
Deep Second-Degree Burn
Deep second-degree burns will develop blisters with the affected skin appearing white, grey, yellow or red. The burns can be extremely painful, although nerve damage can limit the ability to feel pain.
Skin will shed off and is often removed surgically, and it can take weeks for the burn to heal. Infection and other complications are more likely with deeper burns that affect more tissue. They also require more care support to foster wound healing.
A swollen, second-degree burn that goes all the way around an arm or leg can also put pressure on nerve cells and restrict blood flow to other parts of the body that aren’t even involved in the burned area. This is known as compartment syndrome.
In the worst-case scenario, compartment syndrome can cause tissue to die and give off toxins that increase the overall damage. If left untreated, this can lead to amputation, or worse, fatality.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoKathryn Harper/ Flickr
Kathryn Harper/ Flickr
Signs of a third-degree burn include:
Third-degree burns, considered full thickness burns, often affect muscle and bone as well as skin.They can be life-threatening, depending on the body surface area, cause, other co-occurring injuries, age and health status, and quality of care.
If the skin is not intact, treatment is also essential to prevent bacteria from entering into the wound. A third-degree burn can become easily infected.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoCraig0927/ Wikimedia Commons
Craig0927/ Wikimedia Commons
First-degree burns and superficial second-degree burns can often heal on their own, but more serious second-degree burns and third-degree burns require medical attention.
Promptburn treatmentcan minimize the damage and promote healing. This includes:
The healing of burns will depend on the type and degree of the burn, the part of the body affected, and other factors. Generally:
Severe burns from electricity, chemicals, steam, or flame cause the skin to be charred, waxy, and hard, with dark or grey colors. Healing occurs with successful skin grafts and may take many surgeries.
Infection remains a serious risk as burns heal, especially in severely injured people. Infection is the most common cause of death for those who initially survive burns and receive care.
People with larger and more severe burns may be at greater risk of infection, including body-widesepsisthat affects other organs. The risk remains as long as the wound has not fully healed.
Keep in mind that with full-thickness (third-degree) burns, the tissue damage is severe and the body’s ability to heal itself is lost. Surgical treatment to remove damaged tissue and place skin grafts is needed. Infection can occur following surgical procedures, too.
Symptoms to watch for include:
Bacterial infectionsare most common but fungal and viral infections also can occur. Antibiotics and other drugs, either directly applied to the injured site or given systemically, are used to treat infected burn injuries and improve outcomes.
How Long Does It Take to Heal a Third-Degree Burn?Third-degree burns can take months to heal and typically require skin grafts.Skin graft surgery removes healthy skin tissue from one area of the body and attaches it to the burn. It takes at least a month for a skin graft to heal, and after that, you may need physical therapy.Severe third-degree burns can take a year or longer to heal and will likely cause significant scarring.
How Long Does It Take to Heal a Third-Degree Burn?
Third-degree burns can take months to heal and typically require skin grafts.Skin graft surgery removes healthy skin tissue from one area of the body and attaches it to the burn. It takes at least a month for a skin graft to heal, and after that, you may need physical therapy.Severe third-degree burns can take a year or longer to heal and will likely cause significant scarring.
Summary
First-degree burns typically aren’t serious. Second-degree burns, also called partial-thickness burns, affect the outermost layer of skin and extend to the middle skin layer below. In a third-degree burn, more extensive damage occurs. Infection is a common complication, especially with larger and deeper burns.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Radzikowska-Büchner E, Łopuszyńska I, Flieger W, Tobiasz M, Maciejewski R, Flieger J.An Overview of Recent Developments in the Management of Burn Injuries.Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Nov 15;24(22):16357. doi: 10.3390/ijms242216357American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat a first-degree, minor burn.MedlinePlus.Burns.Department of Health and Human Services: Chemical Hazards Emergency Medical Management.Burn triage and treatment—thermal injuries.Blome-Eberwein SA.Morel-Lavallée Lesion with Friction Burn: Management Using Veraflo Vac Dressing, Preserving Body Contour.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020 Apr 10;8(4):e2747. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000002747Sarda NN, Hingway S.Screening and Phasewise Management of Burn Injuries.Cureus.2024 Feb 26;16(2):e54915. doi: 10.7759/cureus.54915.Burgess M, Valdera F, Varon D, Kankuri E, Nuutila K.The Immune and Regenerative Response to Burn Injury.Cells. 2022 Sep 29;11(19):3073. doi:10.3390/cells11193073.Boccara D, Lavocat R, Soussi S, et al.Pressure guided surgery of compartment syndrome of the limbs in burn patients.Ann Burns Fire Disasters. 2017;30(3):193-197.University of Michigan Medicine.Home treatment for second-degree burns.Kiley JL, Greenhalgh DG.Infections in Burn Patients.Surg Clin North Am. 2023 Jun;103(3):427-437. doi:10.1016/j.suc.2023.02.005MedlinePlus.Skin Infections.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Lymphadenitis.MedlinePlus.Skin grafts.Additional ReadingShahrokhi S, Jindal K, Jeschke MG.Three components of education in burn care: Surgical education, inter-professional education, and mentorship.Burns. 2012;38(6):783-789. doi:10.1016/j.burns.2012.01.012
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Radzikowska-Büchner E, Łopuszyńska I, Flieger W, Tobiasz M, Maciejewski R, Flieger J.An Overview of Recent Developments in the Management of Burn Injuries.Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Nov 15;24(22):16357. doi: 10.3390/ijms242216357American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat a first-degree, minor burn.MedlinePlus.Burns.Department of Health and Human Services: Chemical Hazards Emergency Medical Management.Burn triage and treatment—thermal injuries.Blome-Eberwein SA.Morel-Lavallée Lesion with Friction Burn: Management Using Veraflo Vac Dressing, Preserving Body Contour.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020 Apr 10;8(4):e2747. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000002747Sarda NN, Hingway S.Screening and Phasewise Management of Burn Injuries.Cureus.2024 Feb 26;16(2):e54915. doi: 10.7759/cureus.54915.Burgess M, Valdera F, Varon D, Kankuri E, Nuutila K.The Immune and Regenerative Response to Burn Injury.Cells. 2022 Sep 29;11(19):3073. doi:10.3390/cells11193073.Boccara D, Lavocat R, Soussi S, et al.Pressure guided surgery of compartment syndrome of the limbs in burn patients.Ann Burns Fire Disasters. 2017;30(3):193-197.University of Michigan Medicine.Home treatment for second-degree burns.Kiley JL, Greenhalgh DG.Infections in Burn Patients.Surg Clin North Am. 2023 Jun;103(3):427-437. doi:10.1016/j.suc.2023.02.005MedlinePlus.Skin Infections.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Lymphadenitis.MedlinePlus.Skin grafts.Additional ReadingShahrokhi S, Jindal K, Jeschke MG.Three components of education in burn care: Surgical education, inter-professional education, and mentorship.Burns. 2012;38(6):783-789. doi:10.1016/j.burns.2012.01.012
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Radzikowska-Büchner E, Łopuszyńska I, Flieger W, Tobiasz M, Maciejewski R, Flieger J.An Overview of Recent Developments in the Management of Burn Injuries.Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Nov 15;24(22):16357. doi: 10.3390/ijms242216357American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat a first-degree, minor burn.MedlinePlus.Burns.Department of Health and Human Services: Chemical Hazards Emergency Medical Management.Burn triage and treatment—thermal injuries.Blome-Eberwein SA.Morel-Lavallée Lesion with Friction Burn: Management Using Veraflo Vac Dressing, Preserving Body Contour.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020 Apr 10;8(4):e2747. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000002747Sarda NN, Hingway S.Screening and Phasewise Management of Burn Injuries.Cureus.2024 Feb 26;16(2):e54915. doi: 10.7759/cureus.54915.Burgess M, Valdera F, Varon D, Kankuri E, Nuutila K.The Immune and Regenerative Response to Burn Injury.Cells. 2022 Sep 29;11(19):3073. doi:10.3390/cells11193073.Boccara D, Lavocat R, Soussi S, et al.Pressure guided surgery of compartment syndrome of the limbs in burn patients.Ann Burns Fire Disasters. 2017;30(3):193-197.University of Michigan Medicine.Home treatment for second-degree burns.Kiley JL, Greenhalgh DG.Infections in Burn Patients.Surg Clin North Am. 2023 Jun;103(3):427-437. doi:10.1016/j.suc.2023.02.005MedlinePlus.Skin Infections.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Lymphadenitis.MedlinePlus.Skin grafts.
Radzikowska-Büchner E, Łopuszyńska I, Flieger W, Tobiasz M, Maciejewski R, Flieger J.An Overview of Recent Developments in the Management of Burn Injuries.Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Nov 15;24(22):16357. doi: 10.3390/ijms242216357
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat a first-degree, minor burn.
MedlinePlus.Burns.
Department of Health and Human Services: Chemical Hazards Emergency Medical Management.Burn triage and treatment—thermal injuries.
Blome-Eberwein SA.Morel-Lavallée Lesion with Friction Burn: Management Using Veraflo Vac Dressing, Preserving Body Contour.Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020 Apr 10;8(4):e2747. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000002747
Sarda NN, Hingway S.Screening and Phasewise Management of Burn Injuries.Cureus.2024 Feb 26;16(2):e54915. doi: 10.7759/cureus.54915.
Burgess M, Valdera F, Varon D, Kankuri E, Nuutila K.The Immune and Regenerative Response to Burn Injury.Cells. 2022 Sep 29;11(19):3073. doi:10.3390/cells11193073.
Boccara D, Lavocat R, Soussi S, et al.Pressure guided surgery of compartment syndrome of the limbs in burn patients.Ann Burns Fire Disasters. 2017;30(3):193-197.
University of Michigan Medicine.Home treatment for second-degree burns.
Kiley JL, Greenhalgh DG.Infections in Burn Patients.Surg Clin North Am. 2023 Jun;103(3):427-437. doi:10.1016/j.suc.2023.02.005
MedlinePlus.Skin Infections.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Lymphadenitis.
MedlinePlus.Skin grafts.
Shahrokhi S, Jindal K, Jeschke MG.Three components of education in burn care: Surgical education, inter-professional education, and mentorship.Burns. 2012;38(6):783-789. doi:10.1016/j.burns.2012.01.012
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