Suffering from a burn is a painful experience that almost everyone has had at least once. However, not many people experience the worse levels of burn injury and thus know little about them.
Burns can range from first to third degree, with each one causing more damage and harm than the level before.
Mild burns
Healthline takes a look at burn degrees of differing severities. First-degree burns are the least severe, and the ones that most people have likely experienced. Most sunburns fall into this category, for example.
Burns of this degree will appear red but not blistered. They will usually go away on their own, and doctors will often just prescribe over-the-counter painkillers and ointment or lotion to help soothe the pain. They are often painful to touch and sensitive.
Moderate burns
Second-degree burns will usually blister and often involve multiple layers of the skin, as opposed to first-degree burns, which are often superficial. These burns will hurt much worse, have a higher rate of scarring, and need more medical attention. Any second-degree burn larger than 3 inches in diameter or on the face counts as a serious burn.
Severe burns
As for third-degree burns, these are the most severe. Any third-degree burn is a serious injury, no matter its location or size. The skin in these areas often looks black or white. A victim might not even feel pain due to the intense nerve damage that occurs. Scarring is frequent, and these burns require immediate medical attention to avoid potentially life-threatening complications or infections.
