Table 3 Classification of burn wounds according to depth and need for surgical intervention [24, 26]
From: Evidence-based guidelines for the post-fire assessment of domestic ruminants: a scoping review
Depth of Burn | Presenting signs | Pain | Healing time |
|---|---|---|---|
Superficial (Epidermal) | Dry, red, becomes white under pressure | Need pain management | Within one week |
Superficial partial thickness | Blisters, moist and red, becomes white under pressure | Need pain management (temperature and air elicit pain not only touch) | Within 3 weeks |
Deep partial thickness | Blisters, wet/waxy variable color, no changes in color under pressure | Pain perception on pressure | Over 3 weeks |
Full thickness | Leathery gray, charred, black. Skin dry/inelastic | Pain only under strong pressure | Does not heal especially if > 2% TBSA. Needs surgical intervention |
Deep full thickness | All layers of skin are involved as well as muscles, bones, ligaments, fat and fascia | Massive tissue destruction | No healing compatible with function |