A third-degree burn is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Unlike smaller burns that may be treated at home, third-degree burns damage every layer of skin and can affect muscles, nerves, and even bone. Because of this, it’s important to act quickly and seek professional emergency care. Knowing what to do in those first few moments could save a life.
What Is a Third-Degree Burn?
Third-degree burns are a serious type of burn that requires urgent medical attention. A burn occurs when your skin or underlying tissue is damaged by extreme heat, chemicals, or even intense light sources.
A third-degree burn affects all layers of the skin:
- The top layer (epidermis)
- The middle layer (dermis)
- The deepest layer of fat beneath the skin (hypodermis)
These burns can also damage sweat glands, hair follicles, and nerve endings.
Because the nerves are destroyed, you might not feel immediate pain from a third-degree burn. This can give a false sense that the injury is not severe, but in reality, it is extremely dangerous and always requires medical treatment.
What Does a Third-Degree Burn Look Like?
Third-degree burns have very distinct features that make them different from minor burns. These include:
- Leathery or dry skin
- Skin discoloration that may appear white, black, or bright red
- Swelling around the burned area
- A lack of blanching (the skin won’t turn white when pressed, unlike less severe burns)
It’s also common for a third-degree burn to have second-degree burn features around the edges, such as:
- Blisters
- Shiny or moist skin
- Deep red to dark brown skin discoloration
Recognizing these signs is crucial so that you know the severity of the burn and seek emergency treatment right away.
Third-Degree Burn Compared to Other Types of Burns?
Burns are classified by degrees, based on how many layers of tissue are damaged. You can get a third-degree burn anywhere on your body, depending on what caused it. Common locations include your hands, face, feet, arms, and legs, which often makes the injury even more serious due to the risk of infection, mobility issues, or scarring.
While rare, there are even more severe burns:
- Fourth-degree burn: Extends past the skin and fat into nerves and tendons.
- Fifth-degree burn: Reaches the muscles.
- Sixth-degree burn: Extends all the way to the bone.
Minor first- or second-degree burns that are less than 3 inches wide (and not on your face) can often be treated at home. But third-degree burns and beyond are always medical emergencies. You should never try to treat them yourself; seek professional care immediately.
Common Causes of a Third-Degree Burn?
The same things that can cause a first- or second-degree burn can also cause a third-degree burn. The difference lies in the intensity of the source and/or how long your body was exposed. The stronger or longer the exposure, the deeper the damage.
Common causes include:
- Flames from a fire
- Touching a hot object
- Ultraviolet radiation or severe sunburn
- Boiling water or steam
- Chemicals such as acids and bases
- Radiation exposure
- Electricity
- Extreme cold sources like dry ice, liquid nitrogen, or aerosol sprays
Understanding these causes can help you take preventive steps, but if a third-degree burn does occur, immediate medical attention is essential.
Care and Treatment at the Emergency Center
If you have a third-degree burn, visit an emergency department immediately for treatment. Even though you may not feel pain right away, the damage beneath your skin is severe and requires expert care. Treatment depends on the size and location of your burn and may include:
- Cleaning the burn: A provider will carefully remove debris, dead skin, and damaged tissue. Do not attempt this at home.
- Covering the burn: After cleaning, your provider will apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the burn with a sterile bandage. Keeping the burn clean and covered helps prevent infection.
- Antibiotics: Depending on the size of the burn, antibiotics may be given orally or intravenously to reduce infection risk.
- Replacing fluids: Large burns can cause significant fluid loss, leading to shock. IV fluids with electrolytes may be used to stabilize you.
- Pain management: As your body heals, pain may increase. Over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers will help manage discomfort.
- Skin grafting or reconstructive surgery: For larger burns, surgery may be required. Healthy skin from another part of your body may be grafted to help close and heal the wound.
How can a third-degree burn be prevented?
Most burns are preventable with the right precautions. You can reduce your risk by:
- Wearing sunscreen when outdoors
- Avoiding direct contact with hot objects
- Keeping hot items, electrical cords, and outlets away from children
- Lowering your home’s hot water temperature
- Testing food and drink temperatures before giving them to children
- Staying away from open flames
- Keeping flammable items away from heaters and fireplaces
- Wearing protective gear when handling extremely hot or cold objects
Burn Care at Neighbor Emergency Center
When treating a 3rd-degree burn, you should always seek emergency care without delay. Acting quickly can make a life-changing difference. At Neighbor Emergency Center, our medical team is equipped to handle severe burns with advanced treatments, pain management, and compassionate support. If you or a loved one experiences a serious burn, don’t wait; visit your nearest Neighbor Emergency Center right away. Your health and safety are always our priority.