BURN WOUND ASSESSMENT DISCUTION

SUPERFICIAL BURNS
 (FIRST DEGREE)

Epidermal tissue only affected

Tingling, Hyperesthesia, pain that is soothed by cooling

Wound: Reddened, blanches with pressure, dry, minimal or no edema, Possible blisters

Complete recovery within a week; no scarring, Peeling

i.e. sunburn

DEEP (SECOND DEGREE)

Involves the epidermis and deep layer of dermis

Pain, hyperesthesia, sensitive to cold air.

Blistered, mottled red base; weeping surface;
edema

Recovery in 2 to 4 weeks, some scarring and depigmentation, contractures

Infection may convert it to full thickness

Hospitalization required if over than 25% of body surface involved

i.e. scald burn, flame

FULL THICKNESS (THIRD/FOURTH DEGREE)

Destruction of all skin layers

Requires immediate hospitalization

Dry, waxy white (or charred), leathery, or hard skin, no pain, edema

Exposure to flames, electricity or chemicals can cause 3^rd degree burns

Grafting necessary, scarring and loss of contour and function; contractures,
loss of digits or extremity possible