How do you know what degree your burn is?

Question:

I was getting off my boyfriends motorcycle when my leg accidentally touched the exhaust pipe which was about 200 degrees. It burned my leg and I wanted to know which degree it was.

Answers:
First Degree (Superficial):
Red, dry skin; usually painful; some swelling may appear; usually heals with no scarring

Second Degree (Partial Thickness):
Skin is red, usually painful, has blisters that may open and weep clear fluid-makes skin appear wet; may appear mottled, often swells; scarring may occur

Third Degree (Full Thickness):
Skin may be brown or black with tissue underneath appearing white; either extremely painful or not painful (if nerves are damaged); healing may require medical assistance-scarring is likely

I learned all this when I got first aid certified

Other Answers:
A first degree burn is superficialand has similar characteristics to a typical sun burn. The skinis red in color and sensation is intact. In fact, it is usuallysomewhat painful. Second degree burns look similar to the firstdegree burns; however, the damage is now severe enough to causeblistering of the skin and the pain is usually somewhat more intense.In third degree burns the damage has progressed to the point ofskin death. The skin is white and without sensation.

1st degree - redness of the skin
2nd degree - blistering, burns the first few layers of skin
3rd degree - charred skin, burns all the layers of skin

More than likely you have 2nd degree, which is not all that bad. You may have blistering (do not pop) and discomfort. Just get some burn cream and make sure not to pick at it (may leave a scar).

3rd degree burns involve all skin layers. Your skin will look charred, or white and cooked.Third degree burns are usually not painful because the nerve endings in the skin have been destroyed. Burnt areas cannot heal spontaneously.

2nd degree burns affect deeper skin layers and there are often blisters.

1st degree burns are limited to the upper skin layer and the least severe. They produce redness, tenderness, pain, swelling and slight fever (minimal tissue damage). The burned area whitens when light pressure is applied to it but does not blister. Pain resolves in 48 - 72 hours.

Please say you are symptoms are in the 1st degree category. Either way, I sould suggest seeing a doctor.

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How do you know what degree your burn is?

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