Burn Evaluation
Reviewed
Also called: Burn Assessment, Burn Severity Evaluation
A burn evaluation is an exam by a healthcare provider to determine the severity of a burn. It checks the depth (degree) of the burn and the percentage of the body's surface area that is burned. This information guides treatment decisions, such as whether hospitalization or burn center care is needed. The evaluation is performed immediately after the patient is stable and includes checking for life-threatening conditions.
Specimen: None. This is a clinical examination, not a laboratory test.
Urgent safety information
If you have a burn that appears deep, is larger than 3 inches, looks leathery or charred, or is caused by electricity or chemicals, or if you have burns on the face, hands, genitals, or over a joint, or if you have trouble breathing, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Why this test may be ordered
- To determine how serious a burn injury is
- To decide on the need for intravenous (IV) fluids
- To assess whether hospital or burn center care is needed
- To prepare for possible complications such as breathing problems, shock, or infection
Preparation and collection
No special preparation is needed. In an emergency, the provider will remove clothing and assess the burn as part of immediate care.
A healthcare provider examines the burn visually and measures the extent of burned body surface area using methods such as the rule of nines, Lund-Browder chart, or palm method. The provider first checks for life-threatening conditions.
The burn evaluation itself has no known risks. It is a visual and physical exam by a healthcare provider. However, the burn injury may have serious risks, including infection, dehydration, shock, and breathing problems, which the evaluation helps identify.
Understanding results
The results of a burn evaluation describe the depth (degree) of the burn and the extent (percentage of total body surface area) of second-degree or deeper burns. Based on these factors, burns are classified as minor, moderate, or severe. Your provider will interpret the results and explain what they mean for your care.
- First-Degree (Superficial) Burn: The burn damages only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Symptoms include pain, redness, and mild swelling without blisters. This is a first-degree burn. Limitation: No known risks from the evaluation itself. The exam is non-invasive. Next step: Usually heal within a week. Can often be treated at home, but if symptoms worsen, seek medical attention.
- Second-Degree (Partial Thickness) Burn: The burn damages the outer layer and the layer underneath (dermis). May appear as deep redness, blisters, wet or glossy skin, and possible skin loss. This is a second-degree (partial thickness) burn. It can be superficial or deep. Limitation: No known risks from the evaluation itself. The exam is non-invasive. Next step: May require medical evaluation. Treatment depends on the size and location. Hospital stay may be needed for larger areas.
- Third-Degree (Full-Thickness) Burn: The burn damages or destroys all layers of skin. Symptoms include loss of skin layers, no pain if nerves are destroyed, dry or leathery skin, or charred skin that appears white, brown, or black. This is a third-degree (full-thickness) burn. Limitation: No known risks from the evaluation itself. The exam is non-invasive. Next step: Seek emergency medical attention immediately. Requires specialized care at a burn center and often surgery.
- Burn evaluation is a clinical assessment, not a laboratory test, and relies on the provider's judgment.
- First-degree burns are not included in the percentage of total body surface area calculation.
- Interpretation of severity and treatment decisions should be made by a healthcare professional.
What to do next
Your provider will explain the results and recommend a treatment plan. For minor burns, home care may be sufficient. For moderate burns, hospital care may be needed. Severe burns require specialized care at a burn center.
- What are the signs of a burn that may require medical attention?
- How is the depth of a burn determined?
- What does the percentage of burned body surface area mean?