Burn classification by degrees depends on the depth of injury through skin layers and is fundamental for determining the appropriate treatment plan and predicting healing outcomes.
Burn Degrees:
- First degree (superficial): Affects epidermis only — redness and pain without blisters. Heals within 3-7 days without scarring. Example: mild sunburn.
- Superficial second degree: Affects epidermis and part of dermis — fluid-filled blisters and severe pain. Usually heals within 10-21 days without significant scarring.
- Deep second degree: Affects most of the dermis — blisters may be ruptured, white or pale pink color, less pain due to partial nerve damage. May take 3-8 weeks and can leave scars.
- Third degree (full thickness): Destroys all skin layers — waxy white, brown, or black color, no pain in the affected area. Requires skin grafting.
- Fourth degree: Extends to muscles, bones, and tendons — the most serious type requiring urgent surgical intervention.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we use advanced assessment techniques including Laser Doppler examination to precisely determine burn depth. This helps us make optimal treatment decisions early.