[libribook.com] Traumatic Scar Tissue Management 1st Edition

Degree of Injury
Burn injuries are categorized as first degree, second degree, third degree and
fourth degree, ranging from superficial to deep and involving part or all of the
dermis ( see Fig. 6.1). Even minor burns can result in complications (e.g.
infection, dehydration).
First Degree
First degree trauma is limited to the epidermis. This type of injury to the first
layer of skin rarely shows blistering or charring of skin. The first degree wound
often heals in 3–7 days. The best example of a first degree burn injury is a
sunburn or minor scald.
Second Degree
Second degree trauma is characterized as either superficial or deep. Tissue
damage/destruction impacts the epidermis and may extend into the dermis (a.k.a.
‘partial-thickness’ injury or trauma).
In order to grasp the gravity of partial-thickness burn injuries one only need to
consider the expanse and importance of the dermis. Considered the ‘workhorse’
of the integumentary system, the dermis constitutes an estimated 90% of the
skin’s thickness. An important fluid reservoir, it is estimated that the dermis
comprises 80% water.