How do you determine the severity of a burn?

The severity of a burn is primarily determined by the depth of the burn and the area affected. Burns are categorized into different degrees, such as first-degree (superficial), second-degree (partial thickness), and third-degree (full thickness). Each degree represents a level of damage to the skin and underlying tissues.

In addition to depth, the total body surface area (TBSA) affected is crucial for assessing severity. For instance, burns that cover a significant proportion of the body can lead to serious complications like fluid loss, infection, and shock, warranting more urgent medical attention.

While factors like location and the patient's age may influence treatment decisions, they do not directly indicate the severity as clearly as depth and area. The color of the burn may provide some insights, such as identifying blisters in second-degree burns or blackened tissue in third-degree burns, but it is not a definitive measure of severity on its own. Thus, the most reliable way to assess a burn's severity remains the depth and extent of the tissue damage.