Which type of burn affects all layers of skin and underlying tissue?

A third-degree burn affects all layers of the skin as well as the underlying tissue. This type of burn penetrates the epidermis (the outer layer), the dermis (the second layer), and into the subcutaneous tissue (the layer beneath the skin). As a result, third-degree burns can cause significant damage, including the destruction of nerve endings, which may lead to a lack of sensation in the affected area. Additionally, they can appear white, charred, or leathery due to the extent of tissue damage.

In contrast, first-degree burns only involve the outermost layer of skin, causing redness and minor pain, but they do not affect deeper layers. Second-degree burns involve the epidermis and part of the dermis, leading to blisters and more severe pain, but still do not reach the underlying tissues. Partial thickness burns refer to burns that may damage the epidermis and dermis but do not extend through all skin layers and into deeper tissues. Therefore, third-degree burn is specifically characterized by its depth and corresponding severity.