Thermal Burns: How to Determine the Severity of a Burn and When to Seek Treatment

We've all been there before. Maybe you've spilled hot water, bumped your head on the curly iron, or leaned too close to a candle. The burn you experienced is the most common type of burn, a Thermal burn. Thermal burns are the result of flesh coming into contact with a source of heat or the heat that is released during a chemical reaction. Millions of people world wide suffer from burns of varying types and degrees. Since the number of burn related incidences is so high, it's important for everyone to have a common idea of how to care for burns should they occur. Listed below is information to help you recognize and care for burns or burn victims.

• Determining the Severity of a Burn
  The severity of a thermal burn is generally referred to as a first, second, or third degree burn. To determine the severity of the burn, doctors will determine how many layers of skin are affected, and then categorize and treat it appropriately.
  First Degree: First degree burns are also referred to as superficial burns. In this particular case, only the first, outermost layer of skin is harmed. Individuals who experience first degree burns will have a have a painful red mark at the site of the burn. There will be no blistering or moisture. The best example of a first degree or superficial burn is a sunburn where the skin is overexposed to the suns rays.


• Second Degree Burns
  Second degree burns can be referred to as partial thickness burns. In this particular case, there is trauma to both the epidermis and the dermis, which is the second layer of skin. Once it has been established that an individual is suffering from second degree burns, a doctor can decide whether the burn is "superficial," or "deep."
  Superficial burns will cause skin to become painful and red as well as the appearance of blisters and moisture. Individual suffering from deep second degree burns may or may not experience pain, depending on whether or not the nerves were destroyed. The hair in the area is generally gone. Moisture may be present, but deep second degree burns may destroy the sweat glands which means no moisture will be produced.


• Third Degree Burns
  Third degree, or full thickness burns are the most sever burns an individual can suffer from. This particular burn involves all of the first and second layers of skin as well blood vessels, nerve endings, follicles and sweat glands, as well as bone and muscle if the burn is severe enough. Those who suffer from full thickness burns will feel no pain since nerves are destroyed. The burn may appear white, charred, or leathery depending on it's causes.

Caring for a Burn
Minor burns happen frequently and when treated correctly do not always need medical attention. Once the severity of the burn increases, so to does the need for medical attention. Knowing when to visit the emergency room is essential for proper treatment. Here are some common burn symptoms that should lead you to seek medical attention.

• Burns on sensitive parts of the body. Individuals who suffer second or third degree burns to the hands, eyes, ears, or genital regions.


• Burns where the skin appears charred.


• Burns that are painless.


• Burns that are large in perimeter. Any burn that is double the size of you're hand should be seen by a licensed medical professional.


• Burns to the face


• Burns that cause breathing problems.

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