How to Care for a Third-Degree Burn

Burn injuries are classified on the basis of severity and damage to the tissue. Third-degree burns are the most severe due to not only all layers of the skin but all tissue underneath potentially being damaged in addition to other medical complications associated with third degree burns such as shock. Third-degree burns will appear white or black on the surface due to charring from deep, extensive burn damage. This differs from second-degree burns, which only affect the skin, blistering it and making it appear red and swollen. Bone, fat and muscle can be damaged in third-degree burns.

Instructions

• 1

  Evaluate the burn victim. Check the pulse and breathing. This is important as shock may happen, depending on burn severity.

• 2

  Do not place antibiotic ointment, alcohol or peroxide on the burn site.

• 3

  Avoid breaking open any blisters on the injury.

• 4

  Relieve the burn area of any pressure.

• 5

  Do not place ice on the burn injury as this may induce shock.

• 6

  Place a bandage dressing or gauze on the burn injury, depending on size or location.

• 7

  Keep fingers or toes separated with dressings or cotton if the hands or feet are burned.

• 8

  Elevate the burn victim's head above their chest area. This is to prevent shock.

• 9

  Immediately call 911. Third-degree burns are a serious medical emergency. A third-degree burn is not like other types of burns; you cannot treat it on your own-go to the hospital.