Wounds are classified by stage. Stage 1 wounds are characterized by redness or discoloration, warmth, and swelling or hardness. Stage 2 wounds partially penetrate the skin. Stage 4 wounds involve damage to muscle or bone and undermining of adjacent tissue. An injury caused by any kind of accident, or trauma, can result in a wound that affects the skin, blood vessels, bones, muscles, soft tissue, or organs.
Most burns occur in the home.
A first-degree burn results in a superficial reddened area like that caused by a mild sunburn. A second-degree burn results in a blistered injury that heals spontaneously after the blister fluid has been removed. A third-degree burn penetrates the layers of the skin and will usually require surgical intervention in order to heal. Immediate care of a burn consists of cooling the affected area. Superficial burns heal on their own within 2 weeks with routine wound care and protection from infection.