First vs Second vs Third-Degree Burns – Difference and Comparison

 What is a First-degree Burn?

A type of burn that damages the outer layer of the skin. The burn is so mild that it can be cured on its own; they don’t require medical treatment. However, some burns can be severe and might need medical attention.

They are not that severe which doesn’t lead to scar formation or any infection. It can be treated with skincare cosmetics like aloe Vera or an antibiotic cream such as acetaminophen.

The symptoms of first-degree burn are changing in the color of the skin. Other symptoms may include-

1. swelling.
2. pain.
3. dry skin.
4. itching.

What is the Second-Degree Burn?

A type of burn that damages the outer most layer of the skin known as epidermis and the layer below epidermis of the skin called dermis. Second-degree burns are more painful and hurting. They are more serious than first-degree burns and might lead to infection. It takes much time to heal.

It can be too dangerous if it affects a large area of the body. It can cause severe infection. It should be treated with an antibiotic or medicine that is prescribed by the doctor.

Second-degree burn has the chance for serious complication and sometimes lead to the formation of scars.

The symptoms of second-degree burn are –

1. Intense pain.
2. A burn with an irregular pattern.
3. Blisters.

What is a Third-Degree Burn?

A type of burn that damages the outer layer, the layer beneath the skin, and sometimes the innermost layer of the skin. They are more severe in comparison to a first and second-degree burn. These burns are a serious injury that needs medical treatment immediately. It is quite painful, in some cases, we might not feel the pain as it damages the nerve endings.

Third-degree burns are severe burns and have high chances of scar formation. Third-degree burns need intensive medical treatment.

Some points that we should keep in mind is-

1. Getaway the person as soon as possible from that particular area.
2. Check the person whether he is breathing or not.

Some common symptoms in third-degree burn are-

1. Skin discoloration.
2. Skin appearing dry or waxy.
3. swelling

Difference Between First-Degree Burn, Second-Degree Burn, and Third-Degree Burns

1. First-degree burns damage the outer most layer of the skin whereas second-degree burns damage the deeper layer of the skin known as dermis. And third-degree burn damages the innermost layer of the skin.
2. The first degree can be treated by home remedies whereas the second-degree burn can be treated by an ointment. And third-degree burn needs medical treatment as soon as possible.
3. First-degree burn doesn’t take much time to heal whereas second-degree burn takes more than a week to recover. And third-degree burn takes a month or a year to recover.
4. The symptoms of first-degree burn are swelling, pain, and itching whereas symptoms of second-degree burn are intense pain, blister. And for the third degree, the symptoms change in color of the skin, swelling.
5. Second-degree burns are painful compared to first degree but in the case of third-degree burns, it is most painful in compression to first and second-degree burns.

Comparison Between First, Second, and Third-Degree Burns

References

1. https://europepmc.org/article/med/17565478
2. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1524-475X.2008.00414.