What is a full thickness burn characterized by?

A full thickness burn is characterized by damage to all layers of the skin, including the epidermis, dermis, and underlying fat. This type of burn destroys both the outer surface and deeper layers, resulting in the loss of skin sensation in the affected area due to the destruction of nerve endings. The skin may appear white, leathery, or charred, and because of the extensive damage, the burned area does not produce pain initially, although the surrounding tissues may be painful due to their injury.

In contrast to a full thickness burn, other descriptions pertain to different types of burns. For example, when only the epidermis is affected, that describes a superficial burn. Painful blisters are characteristic of partial thickness burns, and reddening of the skin typically indicates a superficial burn as well. Understanding these distinctions helps in correctly identifying the severity and implications of burn injuries.