Which description best fits a third-degree burn?

Which description best fits a third-degree burn?

• A. Damage to epidermis only; red and tender
• B. Thermal damage to all three layers; dry, leathery appearance
• C. Blisters with moist skin
• D. Redness limited to superficial skin

Answer: (B)

Third-degree burns involve full-thickness destruction of skin, extending through the epidermis, dermis, and into underlying tissues. Because all layers are damaged, the skin surface often becomes dry and leathery, and the color can be white, brown, or charred. Nerve endings may be destroyed in the area, so the surface can be less painful despite the severity of the injury. This dry, leathery, full-thickness description is the best fit for a third-degree burn. In contrast, burns limited to the outermost layer are red and tender, burns with blistering and moist skin describe second-degree injuries, and redness confined to superficial skin indicates a minor, shallow burn.

Third-degree burns involve full-thickness destruction of skin, extending through the epidermis, dermis, and into underlying tissues. Because all layers are damaged, the skin surface often becomes dry and leathery, and the color can be white, brown, or charred. Nerve endings may be destroyed in the area, so the surface can be less painful despite the severity of the injury. This dry, leathery, full-thickness description is the best fit for a third-degree burn. In contrast, burns limited to the outermost layer are red and tender, burns with blistering and moist skin describe second-degree injuries, and redness confined to superficial skin indicates a minor, shallow burn.