Degrees of Burns

The phrase degrees of burns is generally used to show the severity of the burns. The article will throw some light on various degrees of burns, in order to provide some details about the symptoms of each of these degrees of burns and the treatment that has to be initiated.

Injury caused as a result of burns may range from a simple burn, which can be treated at home with the basic first aid, to severe burns, which require sophisticated treatment under the watchful eyes of medical professionals. At times, these burns can be severe enough to cause the death of an individual. The severity of the burns is measured by different classification systems. One such burns classification system which classifies burns according to several degrees has been used since a long time. In simple words, these degrees of burns can be defined as the severity of the burns, i.e. more severe the burns, higher will be the degree.

How Many Degrees of Burns are There

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There are basically six different degrees of burns, however, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree burns are more widely known than the 4th 5th and 6th degree. This can be attributed to the sheer fact that it is almost impossible to survive 4th, 5th and 6th degree burns. Though blur, the chances of surviving 4th degree burns are still present, however, the same can’t be said about 5th and 6th degree burns.

What are the Different Degrees of Burns

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As we said earlier, there are six different degrees of burns. Each of these degrees of burns are characterized by certain symptoms and treatment methods. Let’s move on to the details of each of these various degrees of burns.

First Degree Burns First degree burns are typically characterized by redness of skin and minor pain in the affected area. The affected area may also experience some swelling and sensitivity to touch. These burns are typically inflicted upon coming in contact with hot water or suffering from sunburns. In most cases, it is possible to treat first degree burns at home, however, a few cases may require proper medical treatment by a certified medical professional. Read more on first degree burn treatment

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Second Degree Burns

Second degree burns are relatively more severe than first degree burns, as they tend to affect the dermis, i.e. the deep vascular inner layer, of the skin.

2nd degree burns are typically characterized by red blisters on the surface of the skin and significant amount of pain. These burns are generally inflicted upon coming in contact with flames, boiling liquids or other chemicals. It is necessary to consult a doctor for treating second degree burns

, as there are significant chances of infection. Read more on second degree burn treatment.

Third Degree Burns

Among the most widely known degrees of burns, the third degree burns are the most severe burns, however, they seldom result in loss of life when proper treatment is initiated at the earliest. These burns are generally caused after coming in contact with chemicals or due to fire breakout and electric shock. Though not fatal in most of cases, these burns can be quite damaging as they destroy all the three layers of the skin. Third degree burns require hospitalization, and proper monitoring, as there are high chances of the injured person going into shock owing to the fear.

Fourth Degree Burns

The severity of fourth degree burns can be realized by the fact that these burns don’t just damage the skin, but also damage the muscles, ligaments and tendons lying beneath the skin. These burns can be induced upon an individual in case of a fire break out or a severe electric shock. The chances of fourth degree burns resulting in fatality are also quite high. However, if an individual does survive these burns, he will have to undergo skin grafting as a part of treatment procedure.

Fifth Degree Burns

Fifth degree burns are the burns wherein everything up to the bone of the person is burnt. In these types of burns all the layers of skin, muscles, ligaments, tendons and even the bone is damaged to some extent. There are virtually no chances of surviving such burns, however, if at all there is any miracle survival, the individual will have to opt for the amputation of the affected area as the last resort of treatment.

Sixth Degree Burns

Undoubtedly the most severe among burns, sixth degree burns are only diagnosed at the time of the autopsy of the individual. In case of sixth degree burns, even the bone is damaged to a great extent, and sometimes even charred. It is impossible for humans to sustain such severe burns, and thus death becomes inevitable.

You should also go through:

• Home Remedies for Burns
• Treating Burns at Home
• First Aid Burn Treatment

These were the various degrees of burns according to which any injuries pertaining to burns are classified. More recently however, a new classification to determine the severity of burn related injuries has been introduced. The new classification takes epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layers of skin into consideration. More importantly, any degree of burns is serious and therefore, has to be subjected to proper treatment.