Burns are classified as first, second, or third degree according to which of these factors?

Burns are classified into first, second, and third degrees primarily based on the depth of the burn, which refers to the layers of skin affected.

First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin, causing redness and minor pain but no blisters. They typically heal on their own without medical intervention. Second-degree burns extend deeper into the skin and can involve both the outer layer and the underlying layer, leading to more severe pain, redness, swelling, and blisters. Third-degree burns are the most severe, damaging all layers of the skin and potentially underlying tissues, resulting in a significant loss of sensation and often requiring medical treatment for healing.

Understanding the depth of the burn is critical for determining the appropriate treatment and assessing the severity of the injury. Other factors like the size of the affected area, the source of the burn, or the distance from vital organs do not fundamentally define the burn classification system.