How to Measure Skin Burn Depth

Knowing the depth of a skin burn determines the care and treatment of a wound. Burns are segregated into categories depending on the depth the injury extends into the layers of the skin. First-degree burns, also called epidermal burns, affect only the top layer of skin. Second-degree burns extend into the dermis layer and are sometimes further classified as superficial partial-thickness or deep-partial thickness, depending on how much of the dermis layer is damaged. Third-degree burns extend into the subcutaneous layer, which includes fat. These serious burns, also called full-thickness burns usually affect the sweat glands, nerve endings and hair follicles.

Instructions

• 1

  Look for signs of pain. First- and second-degree burns can be extremely painful, but third-degree burns destroy nerve endings, and the patient will not feel pain.

• 2

  Observe the color of the wound. First-degree burns are red and can be swollen, but the skin is not broken. Second-degree burns expose the dermis layer and can appear more red or light pink and wet. Third-degree burns might have a waxy white color, especially at the deepest part of the burn. The appearance of black or brown charring is indicative of a third-degree burn.

• 3

  Examine wound for blisters. The presence of blisters indicates a second-degree burn as the epidermis is destroyed and fluid builds underneath.

• 4

  Look for fluid. Second-degree burns can appear wet from plasma leaking from injured micro vessels. Deeper burns have less fluid and blood flow. Skin can appear leathery in serious burns.

• 5

  Watch the burn for changes over time. Blisters can form 12 to 24 hours after the skin was injured and are a sign that what had initially appeared to be a first-degree burn is actually a second-degree burn. First-degree burns should heal in five to seven days. Second-degree burns often heal in seven to 14 days. Deeper burns take significantly longer to heal and might require skin grafting or other surgeries.