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Depth of burn

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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The depth of dermis lost is a function of the temperature and the duration of the exposure. It is crucial to the long term effects of the injury.

Two depths of burn are recognised:

  • partial thickness - the dermis is not entirely destroyed. There is a variable amount of pain and blanching. Given enough time, most heal spontaneously. Partial thickness burns may be:
    • epithelial } first degree burn
    • dermal }
    • deep dermal - second degree burn

  • full thickness - the entire dermis is destroyed. They are painless but will not recover spontaneously. These are third degree burns. Fourth degree burns involve muscle and deep tissues.

Information regarding management of different burns is available via the 'burns' option in the menu.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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