* 1st degree burns can usually be treated at home with cool water & aloe. The epidermis is the only level affected, & the wound is considered superficial. The skin becomes pink but doesn’t blister or scar, & no underlying tissues are damaged.
* In 2nd degree burns, both the dermis & the epidermis are damaged. Skin will appear swollen, red, & shiny, or wet. Blisters will usually form on a 2nd degree burn.
* 3rd degree burns affect every layer of the skin, often completely destroying the epidermis & dermis. Often, these burns don’t hurt because the underlying nerve tissue has been destroyed as well. Skin will appear white, charred, & leathery.