Which statement best describes a third-degree burn?

Which statement best describes a third-degree burn?

• A. A burn that damages only the epidermis with pink/red skin and mild pain
• B. A burn that damages both epidermis and dermis with blisters and severe pain
• C. A burn that extends through all layers of skin with white or charred appearance and little or no pain
• D. A sunburn with redness and mild swelling

Answer: (C)

Understanding burn depth helps determine treatment. A third-degree burn is a full-thickness injury, meaning it goes through all layers of the skin. It typically presents with a white, pale, brown, or charred appearance and a leathery texture. Because the nerves in the burned area are destroyed, there is little or no pain at the site, though surrounding tissue may be very painful. This contrasts with first-degree burns, which affect only the outer layer and are pink or red with mild pain, and second-degree burns, which involve both epidermis and dermis, often with blistering and more intense pain. Sunburns are usually superficial and do not reach this depth. So the description of full-thickness skin damage with a white or charred appearance and little or no pain best describes a third-degree burn.

Understanding burn depth helps determine treatment. A third-degree burn is a full-thickness injury, meaning it goes through all layers of the skin. It typically presents with a white, pale, brown, or charred appearance and a leathery texture. Because the nerves in the burned area are destroyed, there is little or no pain at the site, though surrounding tissue may be very painful. This contrasts with first-degree burns, which affect only the outer layer and are pink or red with mild pain, and second-degree burns, which involve both epidermis and dermis, often with blistering and more intense pain. Sunburns are usually superficial and do not reach this depth. So the description of full-thickness skin damage with a white or charred appearance and little or no pain best describes a third-degree burn.