Burn Evaluation
Reviewed
Also called: Burn Assessment, Burn Severity Evaluation
A burn evaluation is an exam that health care providers do to find out how serious a burn is.
Specimen: None. This is a clinical examination, not a laboratory test.
Urgent safety information
Third-degree burns (also called full-thickness burns) can be life-threatening and require emergency medical attention.
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
In the case of serious burns, a provider will first check for life-threatening conditions, such as breathing and blood pressure problems, that must be managed right away. Clothing will be removed to make sure any hot substances or chemicals that may still be on them don't continue to cause burns.
If you're in stable condition, a provider will begin a burn evaluation, which includes two steps. The first step is figuring out how deep into the skin the burn goes (also called its degree). The second step of a burn evaluation estimates how much of the body is burned.
Serious burns may lead to other health problems, including: difficulty breathing, shock, a life-threatening drop in blood pressure, infection and sepsis, dehydration, which happens when fluid leaks from the burned tissues. Treating burns early can help reduce the risk of other health problems.
Understanding results
If a result or symptoms suggest an emergency, get emergency medical help right away.
To understand the results of a burn evaluation, your provider will consider the part of the body that's burned, the cause of the burn, and your overall health.
- First-degree (superficial) burn: First-degree burns (also called superficial burns) are the least serious type. They damage only the outer layer of the skin, called the epidermis, and can often be treated at home, at your provider's office, or in an emergency room. Limitation: However, they may still be very painful and may make it hard to do normal activities for a few days. Next step: You can often treat minor burns at home by: Using cool water to gently wash your burn, Covering your burn with a clean bandage or gauze, Avoiding touching your burn, Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).
- Second-degree (partial thickness) burn: Second-degree burns (also called partial thickness burns) are more serious and damage both the outer layer of skin and the layer underneath, called the dermis. Limitation: Those that go deep into the dermis are called deep partial thickness burns. They may require more medical attention. Next step: Severe burns require special care at a burn center and may be recommended for: Second-degree burns that cover more than 10% of the body, Third-degree burns, Second and third-degree burns of the face, feet, hands, genitals, or over the joints, such as the knees.
- Third-degree (full-thickness) burn: Third-degree burns (also called full-thickness burns) can be life-threatening and require emergency medical attention. They damage or completely destroy every layer of the skin. Limitation: Third-degree burns don't cause pain if the nerves have been destroyed. Next step: If you have a third-degree burn, you will usually require surgery.
- Severe burn (burn center criteria): Severe burns require special care at a burn center and may be recommended for: Second-degree burns that cover more than 10% of the body, Third-degree burns, Second and third-degree burns of the face, feet, hands, genitals, or over the joints, such as the knees, Burns that happen with other injuries, such as broken bones, Burns in people who have other medical conditions that could affect their recovery, such as diabetes or heart disease, Chemical burns and burns from electricity, including lightning, Inhalation injuries that may be caused by breathing in smoke, hot gasses from a fire, or other substances that can burn your mouth, airway, or lungs, Anyone under the age of 5 or over the age of 70. Limitation: All this information will help them decide whether a burn is minor, moderate, or severe. Next step: Treating burns early can help reduce the risk of other health problems.
- 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
But you may need care in a hospital or a special burn center if your burn: Appears to go deep into the skin, Is larger than 3 inches across, Looks leathery and dry, Has patches of white, brown, or black, Swells very fast, Gets more painful over time, has pus, or causes a fever, which may be signs of an infection.
- How serious is my burn?
- Do I need care in a hospital or a burn center?
- How should I care for my burn at home?
- What signs of infection should I watch for?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.