Health Department of Northwest Michigan. 3434 M-119, Suite A. Harbor Springs, MI 49740. Fax (secure) (231) 347-2861. Environmental Health - Permits. (231) 347-6014.
What are the classifications of burns? Burns are classified as first-, second-, or third-degree, depending on how deep and severely they penetrate the skin's surface. First-degree (superficial) burns First-degree burns affect only the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. The burn site is red, painful, dry, and with no blisters. Mild sunburn is an example.
Second-degree burns, known as partial thickness burns, are deeper than first-degree burns and are characterized by blotchy white, pink or red patches which cause blisters. In order to prevent infection, the blisters of second degree burns should be left alone. Second-degree burns may require antibiotics and intravenous fluid replacement. The most severe type of burn, a third-degree, known as a full thickness burn, penetrates through all layers of the skin and may injure tissue beneath skin, so the skin is not capable of healing itself.