Lightning Learning: Burns #1 (Depth)
“Burns depth assessment can be difficult unless you know what you are looking for.”
What?
Epidermal burn: erythema, blanches to pressure, painful
Superficial dermal burn: pale pink, mottled and blistered, blanches, painful
Deep dermal burn: cherry red, blistered, does not blanch, dull sensation
Full thickness burn: white, does not blanch, no sensation
Why?
Burns need to be classified by depth and surface area. This will dictate the management, including the need for referral to specialist burns units/centres.
The correct assessment can be difficult unless you are clear on the characteristics of depth.
Look for… the colour, blistering, blanching, and the presence/absence of pain.
