A number of factors need to be considered when the severity of a burn is being determined. Some of these factors are listed below.

a. Source of the Burn.

A burn from nuclear radiation may appear to be minor, but is probably more serious than a thermal burn. Chemical burns are serious because chemicals which remain on the skin continue to burn the skin for hours or even days. Remaining in contact with the skin, chemicals can enter the bloodstream.

b. Degree of Burn.

If the burn penetrates the outer layer of the skin, as in second- and third-degree burns, the exposed tissues can be contaminated and invaded by harmful chemicals and microorganisms. Eventually, these chemicals and microorganisms can enter the circulatory system of the body.

c. Percentage of the Body Burned (Body Regions Burned).

The percentage of the body burned is an important factor in the probability for patient recovery.

d. Location of the Burn.

The areas of the body which were burned are important. A burn to the face may interfere with the airway or cause injury to the eyes. If the burn is on the groin, buttocks, or medial thighs, the potential for bacterial contamination is present.

e. Complications Accompanying the Burn.

A patient with other illnesses (such as respiratory problems, heart disease, or diabetes) is in greater jeopardy than a normal, healthy adult when burned. A minor burn for a healthy adult may be a serious burn for a person with any one of these health problems.

f. Age of the Patient.

Individuals in the 5 to 59 age range have the best chance for recovery from burns. Infants, children under 5, and adults over 60 have severe body reactions to burns. The healing pattern for burns is different in these age ranges of the population.