Burn injuries can happen to people in numerous different situations, with the degree of severity differing from case to case.
In order to get the necessary treatment, it is important for a victim to understand these different degrees of severity and what they mean.
First and second-degree burns
Healthline takes a look at burn injuries. Burn injuries break down into three separate categories: first, second and third-degree burns. First-degree injuries are the least severe, and third-degree burns are the worst.
First-degree burns do not often require a lot of intervention. In most cases, the doctor will allow a person to simply use over-the-counter painkillers and ointments such as aloe vera gel to help with the burns. These burns do not blister, but can feel painful to the touch.
Second-degree burns are more intense and usually involve multiple layers of the skin. Blistering often occurs. A second-degree burn that is over 3 inches in diameter or on the face immediately counts as a severe injury.
Third-degree burns and their repercussions
As for third-degree burns, all burns regardless of their location or size count as severe when they fall into this category. Third-degree burns sometimes also go by “full-thickness burns” due to the involvement of all or nearly all layers of the skin.
With these burns, even the bone may end up affected. The burn might feel excruciatingly painful, or it may not hurt at all due to the damage and destruction of nerves in the area.
Though it is important to treat all burns, these are the ones that require the most immediate care.