Which description matches a third-degree burn?

Which description matches a third-degree burn?

• A. Painful with blisters.
• B. Painless, charring, dry and leathery skin.
• C. Red and warm with partial thickness.
• D. Dry, but intact sensation.

Answer: (B)

This describes a third-degree burn, which is a full-thickness injury that destroys both the epidermis and dermis and may extend into deeper tissues. Because the nerve endings are damaged, the burned area often lacks pain. The skin tends to be dry and leathery, with a charred or eschar appearance, and it may look white, brown, or black. In contrast, less severe burns involve pain, moisture, and blistering due to preserved nerve endings. So the combination of painless sensation, dryness, leathery texture, and charring points to a full-thickness burn.