| Type |
Layers involved |
Appearance |
Texture |
Sensation |
Healing Time |
Prognosis |
Example
|
| Superficial (1st-degree) |
Epidermis |
Erythema without blisters |
Dry |
Painful |
5–10 days |
Heals well. |
|
| Superficial partial thickness (2nd-degree) |
Extends into superficial (papillary) dermis |
Redness with clear blister. Blanches with pressure. |
Moist |
Very painful |
2–3 weeks |
Local infection (cellulitis) but no scarring typically |
|
| Deep partial thickness (2nd-degree) |
Extends into deep (reticular) dermis |
Yellow or white. Less blanching. May be blistering. |
Fairly dry |
Pressure and discomfort |
3–8 weeks |
Scarring, contractures (may require excision and skin grafting) |
|
| Full thickness (3rd-degree) |
Extends through entire dermis |
Stiff and white/brown. No blanching. |
Leathery |
Painless |
Prolonged (months) and incomplete |
Scarring, contractures, amputation (early excision recommended) |
|
| 4th-degree |
Extends through entire skin, and into underlying fat, muscle and bone |
Black; charred with eschar |
Dry |
Painless |
Requires excision |
Amputation, significant functional impairment and in some cases, death.
|
|