Sunga, Ricol A.

March 16, 2024

FS-301

Degree of Burns

Burn injuries are categorized into degrees based on their severity, each level
representing varying degrees of tissue damage and potential complications. The
degree of burns serves as a crucial diagnostic tool in medical settings, guiding
treatment decisions and prognosticating outcomes. In general, burns are classified
into four degrees: first-degree, second-degree, third-degree, and fourth-degree.

First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis.
These burns typically manifest as redness, mild swelling, and pain, with no blister
formation. While they are often minor and heal within days without scarring, they can
still cause discomfort and require appropriate first aid measures such as cooling the
affected area with water.

Second-degree burns extend beyond the epidermis into the underlying layer of skin,
the dermis. They are characterized by redness, blister formation, swelling, and
intense pain. These burns may take weeks to heal and can result in scarring, though
they generally do not cause permanent damage to deeper tissues.

Third-degree burns penetrate through both the epidermis and dermis, reaching the
subcutaneous tissue beneath. They often appear white, charred, or leathery and
may be accompanied by numbness due to nerve damage. Third-degree burns
necessitate immediate medical attention and often require surgical intervention, as
they can lead to severe complications such as infection and permanent
disfigurement.

Fourth-degree burns are the most severe and extend beyond the skin to damage
underlying muscles, tendons, and bones. These burns may appear blackened or
charred and often result in extensive tissue loss and irreversible damage. Treatment
for fourth-degree burns is complex and may involve skin grafts, amputation, and
intensive rehabilitative therapy.

In forensic science, accurately assessing the degree of burns is critical for

determining the circumstances surrounding injuries, including potential causes and
contributing factors. Moreover, documenting the severity of burns can aid in
identifying victims of fires or other traumatic incidents, assisting in the investigation
and resolution of criminal cases and mass fatality incidents. Thus, understanding the
degree of burns holds significant importance both in medical practice and within the
forensic science domain, guiding both treatment and investigative efforts.
References:

Classification of burns - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical

Center. (n.d.).

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=9

0&ContentID=P09575#:~:text=Burns%20are%20classified%20by%20degree,f

or%20a%20day%20or%20two.

What are the types and degrees of burns? (2017, May 21). WebMD.

https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/types-degrees-burns

Burn Stages. (2017, September 12). Stanford Health Care.

https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/burns/sta

ges.html