Burns

Question 1

How are burns classified?

Answer 1

• 1st degree: epidermis only (superficial). Skin is red but not blistered
• 2nd degree: partial thickness involving all of epidermis and top of dermis. Blistering and thickening of the skin. Very painful
• 3rd degree: destroyed epidermis and dermis. May cause damage to muscles, bones, and tendons. Widespread thickness with a white, leathery appearance
• Not painful because nerves have been destroyed

Question 2

How is size of a burn assessed?

Answer 2

Using percentages

1% is the palm of the personas hand not including fingers or wrist