The severity of burns consists of three different grades: First degree In a first-degree burn, the top layer of skin is red/pink. The skin can be dry, painful and sometimes swollen. Sometimes this can also be confused with an inflammatory reaction. The skin is not broken with a first-degree burn, but the first-degree burn can be very painful. Second degree A distinction can be made between a superficial or a deep second-degree burn: Superficial second-degree burn: the skin is red/pink. The skin is more severely damaged and often blisters, the skin can feel wet and is very painful. Deep second degree burn: The skin colour is red/white. Blisters are present, the dermis is also more damaged. Third degree A third degree burn is the most severe burn. The skin can be white, beige/brown or black in colour. The skin is damaged down to the subcutaneous fatty tissue. The nerve endings in the skin are damaged, so hardly any pain is experienced. The skin is dry and feels leathery to the touch.