What are the degrees of a burn and what do they mean?

Question

eg. What is a 3rd degree burn and what is the cause?

Answer 1

1st degree - superficial, affecting the first layer of skin only (Epidermis)...  

2nd degree - Affects the epidermis and the dermis (second layer)...

3rd degree - Affects the epidermis and pentrates completely through the dermis.  Sometimes called a full-thickness burn.

4th degree - Affects the epidermis, dermis and the underlying musculature, tendons and/or bones...

Hope that helps...

Answer 2

From what I remember in my first aid training there are 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree  burns.  A 3rd degree burn has a charred look to it..either black or white char....the cause can be fire, hot water, chemical, or all. How deep it burns someone is the the degree of damage.  I left a web site to cover things I missed. Hope this helps

Answer 3

There are as many as six degrees of burns, depending upon the purpose of the classification.

See the link for details.