What is a Third Degree Burn?

A third-degree burn is one of the most severe type of burn. 

But exactly what is a third degree burn?

It affects all layers of the skin, and can cause serious damage to tissues beneath. 

These burns require immediate medical attention, as they can lead to lasting damage and complications. 

In this article, we will discuss what a third-degree burn is, its causes, treatments, healing time, and potential scarring.

What is a Third Degree Burn?

A third-degree burn is the deepest type of burn injury. 

It affects the epidermis, dermis, and sometimes the subcutaneous tissue (fat and muscle). 

This kind of burn causes the skin to become charred, white, or leathery. 

The skin may also look dry and may not bleed. 

Because the damage extends to nerve endings, a third-degree burn might not be as painful initially as a first- or second-degree burn. 

However, it is extremely serious.

In third-degree burns, nerve endings are often destroyed, leading to numbness in the area. 

This is why the burn may not cause much immediate pain. 

These burns can also affect underlying tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and bones.

They may require significant treatment, such as skin grafts or even surgery, depending on the severity.

What Are The Most Common Causes of a Third Degree Burn?

Third-degree burns are usually caused by extreme heat or chemicals. 

Below are some of the most common causes:

Flames

One of the most common causes of third-degree burns is fire. 

Whether from a house fire, an explosion, or being caught in flames, direct exposure to fire can quickly cause severe burns. 

Clothing that catches fire can also lead to third-degree burns.

Hot Liquids or Steam

Hot liquids, such as boiling water or oil, can cause third-degree burns if they are spilled or splashed onto the skin. 

Prolonged contact with hot steam can also cause serious burns, especially in areas like the face and chest.

Electrical Burns

Electricity can cause severe burns when it passes through the body. 

These burns can cause deep tissue damage and even cardiac arrest. 

Electrical burns usually occur when someone comes into direct contact with a live electrical source.

Chemical Burns

Certain chemicals can cause third-degree burns if they come into contact with the skin. 

Acids and alkalis, for example, can cause serious burns. 

Chemical burns may occur in industrial settings or due to household cleaners.

Radiation Burns

Exposure to radiation, such as from sunburns or radiation therapy, can also lead to third-degree burns. 

Sunburns from prolonged sun exposure, especially in sensitive areas, can reach this level of severity in extreme cases.

How Is a Third Degree Burn Different to Other Types of Burns?

There are different classifications of burns, based on their severity. 

Third-degree burns are the most serious, affecting deeper layers of skin and tissue. 

Here’s how they differ from first- and second-degree burns:

First-Degree Burns

A first-degree burn affects only the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis. 

The skin becomes red, sore, and may peel after a few days. 

These burns are mild, and usually heal within a week. 

They rarely cause scarring.

Second-Degree Burns

A second-degree burn affects both the epidermis and the dermis. 

These burns cause blisters, pain, and swelling. 

They can lead to deeper damage and may require weeks to heal. 

Second-degree burns often leave scarring but are not as severe as third-degree burns.

Third-Degree Burns

A third-degree burn is the most severe. 

It damages all layers of the skin and may affect muscles, tendons, and bones. 

The skin may appear white, charred, or leathery, and it may feel numb due to nerve damage. 

Third-degree burns require immediate medical treatment and can result in long-term scarring, disability, and loss of function.

How is a Third Degree Burn Treated?

A third-degree burn requires immediate medical attention.

It is important to follow the right steps to prevent complications and promote healing. 

Here’s how third-degree burns are typically treated:

Call for Help

If you or someone else suffers a third-degree burn, call emergency services immediately. 

This is a life-threatening situation, and professional medical help is essential.

Stop the Burning Process

If the burn is caused by fire, stop, drop, and roll to extinguish the flames. 

If the burn is caused by chemicals, remove any contaminated clothing and rinse the area with water (unless directed otherwise by medical personnel). 

For electrical burns, ensure the person is no longer in contact with the electrical source before offering help.

Cover the Burn

While waiting for medical help, cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing or a clean cloth. 

This helps protect the area from infection and reduces pain. 

Avoid using ice or applying any ointments, as they can worsen the damage.

Monitor for Shock

A person with a third-degree burn may go into shock. 

Signs of shock include rapid breathing, weak pulse, and pale or clammy skin. 

If this happens, lay the person flat, raise their feet, and keep them warm until help arrives.

Hospital Treatment

In the hospital, doctors will assess the burn and may perform treatments like fluid resuscitation (to replace lost fluids), debridement (removal of dead tissue), and skin grafts (to cover large areas of damage). 

Pain management is a priority.

How Long Does a Third Degree Burn Take to Heal?

Healing time for a third-degree burn depends on its severity and the treatment required. 

These burns are serious, and full recovery may take weeks, months, or even longer.

Initial Healing

The immediate response to a third-degree burn is to stabilise the person and prevent infection. 

The skin and underlying tissues will begin to heal, but the process can take a long time. 

Skin grafts may be needed to replace the damaged skin, especially if the burn is large.

Recovery Time

For most third-degree burns, healing can take weeks to months. 

Smaller burns might heal faster, but larger burns can require ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. 

A person may need physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.

Long-Term Care

Even after the burn heals, the person may need continued care to address complications like infection, scarring, or loss of function. 

Ongoing medical treatment may be necessary to improve the appearance of scars and restore skin function.

Does a Third Degree Burn Scar?

Yes, third-degree burns almost always cause scarring. 

The deeper the burn, the more likely it is to cause permanent scarring. 

The skin may form thick, keloid scars, or it may be contracted, causing the skin to tighten.

Scar Treatment

While third-degree burn scars can be severe, treatment can help minimise their appearance. Scar treatment options include:

• Pressure garments to help flatten scars

• Surgical revision to improve the appearance

• Laser therapy for scar reduction

• Physical therapy to prevent skin tightening

It’s important to follow medical advice to improve scar healing and prevent long-term complications.

Conclusion

You should now have more of an understanding of exactly what is a third degree burn. 

A third-degree burn is a serious injury that can cause extensive damage to the skin and underlying tissues. 

Immediate medical care is essential to prevent complications, promote healing, and reduce scarring. 

With proper treatment and ongoing care, people can recover from third-degree burns, though healing time is long, and scarring is inevitable. 

If you or someone you know suffers a third-degree burn, seek medical help immediately.