The skin is composed of layers and depending
on the depth of the burn the treatment will vary.
The
uppermost layer is called the epidermis. the epidermis is a
very thin layer about as thick as a peeling from a sunburn.
The epidermis is constantly regenerating itself. Burns to
this layer are considered 1st degree.
The
second layer of skin is called the dermis. This layer is
fairly thick and for practical purposes it is divided into two
sections: the superficial dermis and the deep dermis. The
superficial dermis contains nerve endings which provide the
perceptions of pain. Burns to the superficial dermis are
considered 2nd degree or partial thickness burns. These
burns, although painful, usually heal themselves. Burns to
the deep dermis, usually, are treated as full thickness or third
degree burns.
Below the
epidermis and dermis is the third layer of skin called the
subcutaneous layer. Burns to this level and below are
considered full thickness or 3rd degree burns. Deeper burns
to the muscle and bone are considered 4th degree burns.
These full thickness (3rd degree and 4th degree) burns do not heal
well. Third or fourth degree burns must be evaluated by a
burn physician.
