{"id":2658,"date":"2010-05-12T00:50:00","date_gmt":"2010-05-12T04:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/burn\/for-patients\/copy_of_types-of-injuries-and-what-to-do\/"},"modified":"2022-07-11T11:17:46","modified_gmt":"2022-07-11T15:17:46","slug":"copy_of_types-of-injuries-and-what-to-do","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/surgery\/burn\/forpatients\/copy_of_types-of-injuries-and-what-to-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Types of Injuries and What to Do"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Information for Emergency
\nMedical Personnel (PDF)<\/a><\/b><\/b><\/b><\/p>\n

No matter what type or size of burn, the Burn Center is always available to help.<\/b><\/p>\n

Burns are described in many ways, such as by depth<\/a> (type) and size<\/a> or as minor<\/a> or major<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Burn Depth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n

First-degree burns:<\/h4>\n

Only affect the outer layer of skin called the epidermis and cause pain, redness, and swelling. Looks like a sunburn with no blistering. They are dry, red, and painful.<\/td>\n

\n

Second-degree burns:<\/h4>\n

Affect the outer and underlying layer of skin called the epidermis. Second degree burns are red, blistered or open, have swelling, and very painful.<\/td>\n

\n

Third-degree burns:<\/h4>\n

Affect all layers of skin called the epidermis and dermis and sometimes deeper tissues. They are often thick and leathery in appearance; can be white, deep red, or black in color; and often have no feeling due to damaged nerve endings.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/a>Burn Size<\/h2>\n

There are a number of ways to evaluate the size and depth of burn. When patients come in the Burn Center, for example, we evaluate the burn areas using complex formulas that help the Burn Team determine the amount of replacement fluids to give. However, a good rule of thumb in estimating the size of a burn: the palm of the burn patient\u2019s hand = 1% burn.<\/p>\n

Minor Burns<\/h2>\n

The staff at the Burn Center is always available to answer questions about a burn injury. If you or someone you know is burned, here are few, simple tips to keep in mind for small, minor burns:<\/p>\n