(29) Burns

epidermis

• outermost layer of skin

• provides a watertight and resilient barrier from the external environment

dermis

• second layer

• contains small capillary beds and the sensory structures of the skin

hypodermis (subcutaneous layer)

• innermost layer

• composed of fatty connective tissue and larger blood vessels

skin

largest organ of the body

full thickness (third degree)

Which burns have no pain?

superficial burn (first degree)

involves only the epidermis

• skin appears pink to red

• skin is dry

• slight swelling

• no blisters

• soft and tender to touch

partial-thickness burn (second degree)

• involves the epidermis and dermis

• damage to the small blood vessels causes plasma and tissue fluid to collect between the layers of skin and form blisters

• pain receptors still intact

full-tickness burn (third degree burn)

• involves all the layers of skin

• dry, hard, tough, and leathery skin

• skin can look white and waxy or black and charred

• not painful, nerve endings have been destroyed