What is the difference between first-, second-, and third-degree burns?
First-degree burns are red and painful. They swell a little and turn white when you press on them. The skin over the burn may peel off in a day or two. These are the least severe type of burn, affecting only the outer layer of skin. Second-degree burns have blisters and are painful. They affect both the outer and thicker middle layer of skin. Third-degree burns cause damage to all layers of the skin. The burned skin looks white or charred. These burns may cause little or no pain if nerves are damaged.
