Determining the Seriousness of a Burn
Topic Overview
The seriousness of a burn is determined by:
- The depth of the burn (first-, second-, third-, or fourth-degree).
- The size of the burn.
- The cause (thermal, electrical, chemical, radiation, or friction).
- The part of the body where the burn occurred.
- The age and health of the burn victim.
- Other injuries.
What to think about
It is important to watch for signs of infection during the healing of any burn.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD, MMEd, FRCPC - Emergency Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Current as ofNovember 20, 2017
Current as of:
November 20, 2017