They are treated as mild injuries unless they cover substantial portions of the hands, feet, groin, face, buttocks or a major joint. The epidermis is burned through, and the second layer, the dermis, is also injured. A mottled, intense red discoloring is accompanied by severe pain, swelling and blisters. All layers of skin are burned through to the fat, muscles and possibly to the bone. There may be severe pain, but sometimes extensive nerve damage results in little or no pain.
Affected areas can appear charred black or dry white.
Burns that penetrate under the skin cannot heal fast enough on their own to prevent infection. Immediate medical attention is crucial. Glossary Feedback Main Menu Copyright 1998, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. All rights reserved.