burns

Types of burns

The skin is the largest organ of the human (and animal) body. Two of its most important functions are protecting us from the external elements and regulating the temperature of the body. The main layers of the skin are: the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermic.

The depth of a burn relates to the layers of skin affected. Burns are classified into three degrees, depending on the thickness of the damaged tissue.

First degree burns: affect the external layer and a few internal layers of the skin. They cause pain, redness, inflammation and blisters.

Second degree and superficial burns: afectan a la capa externa y a algunas capas internas de la piel. Provocan dolor, enrojecimiento, inflamación y ampollas.

Third degree burns:  affect all the layers of the skin. They are not painful (because the nerves that transmit the sensation of pain are also damaged). The skin becomes whitish, dark or carbon coloured.