Dec 28, 2009
If more than 10 percent of body surface is affected in second- and third-degree burns, large quantities of fluid (and its protein) are lost. As a result, the victim may go into shock. The burn victim is also more prone to infection, because when skin is burned it cannot protect the body from airborne bacteria.
| Type | Causes and Effects |
| First-degree | Sunburn; steam. Reddening and peeling. Affects epidermis (top layer of skin). Heals within a week. |
| Second-degree | Scalding; holding hot metal. Deeper burns causing blisters. Affects dermis (deep skin layer). Heals in two to three weeks. |
| Third-degree | Fire. A full layer of skin is destroyed. Requires a doctor's... |
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