Burn Healing Stages: 1st to 4th Degree Expectations

First-Degree (Superficial)

• Red, swollen, mildly painful
• Heals in 7–10 days
• May peel; no scar

Second-Degree (Partial Thickness)

• Red, swollen, blistered, very painful
• Heals in 2–3 weeks
• May leave temporary scar

Third-Degree (Full Thickness)

• White or charred appearance
• Painless if nerves destroyed; otherwise severe pain
• Heals in weeks to years
• Always scars

Fourth-Degree

• Extends through skin, muscle, tendon, bone
• Black, leathery
• Painless (nerve destruction) or severe
• Heals in months to years; always scars

Seek immediate medical care for 2nd-degree+ burns or any large/chemical/electrical burns.