burns-types

Superficial burn

If the person has a superficial burn, the skin will look red and painful. It may blister and swell. In most cases, this type of burn can be treated with first aid and shouldn't require medical attention unless the burn area is large.

Monitor the burn as it heals and keep it clean to avoid infection. If it takes longer than a few days to heal or becomes infected - you should seek medical advice.

Deep burn

With a deep burn (also known as partial thickness burns), the skin will look white, dark red or charred. If the person cannot feel any pain where the burn occurred this could mean damage to the nerves. Deep burns are usually surrounded by superficial burns.

If someone has a deep burn, call Triple Zero (000) and apply first aid.

Full thickness

Full thickness burns destroy the first and second layers of the skin, including damage to underlying tissue. The burn site generally appears dry with dark brown, black or charred skin. There might also be white tissue exposed. Little or no pain might be felt at the site as the nerve endings have been destroyed.

Someone with a full thickness burn requires emergency medical attention - call Triple Zero (000).