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Second Degree Burn

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Definition

There are three levels of burns:

  • First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin. They cause pain, redness, and swelling.
  • Second-degree (partial thickness) burns affect both the outer and underlying layer of skin. They cause pain, redness, swelling, and blistering.
  • Third-degree (full thickness) burns extend into deeper tissues. They cause white or blackened, charred skin that may be numb.

Symptoms

  • Blisters
  • Pain (the degree of pain is not related to the severity of the burn -- the most serious burns can be painless)
  • Peeling skin
  • Red skin
  • Shock (watch for pale and clammy skin, weakness, bluish lips and fingernails, and a drop in alertness)
  • Swelling
  • White or charred skin
Symptoms of an airways burn:
  • Charred mouth; burned lips
  • Burns on the head, face, or neck
  • Wheezing
  • Change in voice
  • Difficulty breathing; coughing
  • Singed nose hairs or eyebrows
  • Dark, carbon-stained mucus
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Swelling
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