The Symptoms of Burns
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What Are the Symptoms of Burns?
The symptoms of a burn are directly correlated to the degree of the burn, varying on how deep the skin damage is. In most cases, it will take at least a day or two before symptoms are present, and the degree of the burn can be determined.
First-Degree Burn Symptoms
- Minor inflammation
- Swelling
- Minor to moderate pain
- Dry skin
- Redness on skin
- Non-blistering skin
First-degree burn symptoms will remain mild and tend to subside after 2-3 days. In the case of a sunburn, you may experience peeling in addition to the symptoms listed above.
Second-Degree Burn Symptoms
- Skin that looks very deep red or deep brown
- Severe soreness
- Blistering
- Development of scab-like tissue on the burned area
- General thickening of the skin
- Skin that is painful to the touch
- White or discolored burn in an irregular pattern
- Burned area appears to be wet or shiny
Second-degree burn symptoms often remain mild but can become intense, warranting a trip to the doctor. Although, scars will take longer to fully develop the other symptoms will subside within a few weeks.
Third-Degree Burn Symptoms
- Charred skin
- Severe pain or little to no pain due to destroyed nerve endings
- Leathery and raised skin texture
- Blisters that do not develop
- Waxy and white skin discoloration
- Dark brown skin discoloration
- Widespread thickness across the wounded area
Third-degree burns heal slowly and symptoms may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to subside. Third-degree burns always require immediate treatment by a medical professional.
Fourth-Degree Burn Symptoms
- Charred skin
- Exposed bone
- Exposed muscle tissue
- White skin discoloration
- Little to no pain
- Complete loss of feeling in the wounded area
- Experiencing shock
Fourth-degree burn symptoms can take several months or even up to a year to subside. Fourth-degree burns always require immediate treatment by a medical professional and can be life-threatening if not treated properly.
