Difference between 1st, 2nd and 3rd Degree Burns

Key Difference: Burns can be classified into 1st, 2nd and 3rd Degree Burns according to their severity. First degree burns show characteristic like redness and some mild swelling of the skin. Second degree burns are severe than the first degree burns. They exhibit the characteristics like skin with swelling and blister formation. A third degree burn is the worst among them. These burns cause no or little pain due to the damage caused in the nerves. They destroy all layers of the skin.

1st, 2nd and 3rd Degree Burns are based on the classification of burns on the basis of their severity. First degree burns are of lowest impact, whereas 3^rd are of highest impact and affected.

In first degree burns, the top layer of the skin gets damaged but it is not destroyed. The color of the skin changes to bright pink or very red. In this situation, the pain can be mild to extreme. Blisters are not observed in these types of burns.

These types of burns are generally caused by hot liquids or grease coming in contact with the skin. As only the outer layer of the skin gets affected, one can just treat them by cool water for about ten minutes and then applying an aloe cream which will help in providing soothing effect on the skin.

Moving on to second degree burns, these burns are more severe than the first ones. They are generally caused by sunburn or by chemical exposure. Unlike first degree burns, the outer skin here is destroyed too in addition to damage to the skin. However, it does not destroy the second layer of the skin, it just gets damaged.

After the damage on the outermost layer of the skin, this second layer of skin is revealed. This layer too turns red or pink. Blisters are commonly formed in these types of burns, and thus are used as identification sign for these burns.

Most severe and dangerous of these all are the third degree burns, which are caused by radiation or corrosive chemical exposure. In addition to the first and second layer of the skin, they tend to affect the third layer of the skin and also cause scarring. They cannot be treated with simple first aid. A medical attention is required to treat these burns.

It causes damage to all layers of the skin. The pain may or may not occur depending upon the damage on nerves. This destruction of nerves is responsible for not feeling pain by the patients.

Therefore, they all are quite different from each other in aspects like characteristics, treatments and causes.

Comparison between 1st, 2nd and 3rd Degree Burns:

	1^st Degree Burns	2^nd Degree Burns	3^rd Degree Burns
Definition	Refers to burns which are least severe	The moderate types of burns	Refers to burns which are extremely severe
Medical attention	Generally not required	Only for the major second degree burn	Always required
Impact on layer/ Depth	Limited to only the first layer of skin/Epidermis	Affects second layer of the skin in addition to the first layer/Dermis: Papillary region	Nearly, effects all layers of the skin, the injury extends deep into the skin/ Dermis:Reticular region
Symptoms	Redness Pain Mild swelling	Pain Redness Sever Swelling Blister formation Splotchy skin	Numbness to the underlying tissues and nerves Dry and leathery skin\ White
Treatment	It is often advised to soak the affected area with cold water Cold compresses can be applied for getting relief Aloe vera gel provides the soothing feeling	Cold compresses can help in providing relief Painkillers can help in subduing pain A burn can be covered with a sterile wire gauze	Often requires hospitalization Intravenous administration of fluids and antibiotics are required Skin grafting is also advices in cases of severe burns