What is a Burn?
A burn is tissue damage caused by factors such as heat, electricity, chemical substances, boiling water, or flames.
Burns do not only affect the skin; they are a type of trauma that impacts the entire organism. The extent of tissue damage caused by a burn depends on the size of the burned area and the duration of exposure to the cause of the burn.
Burn wounds are classified according to their size and depth. Based on size, burns are categorized as small, medium, or large burns.
According to depth, burns are classified into three groups: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns.
First-degree burns: Only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) is affected. These burns are dry, mild, and swollen.
Second-degree burns: Both the outer layer (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis) are affected. Blisters (bullae) form on the skin.
Third-degree burns: The skin appears dry, scarred, and tough. Damage may extend through the skin to muscles and even bone.