Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
full-thickness burn
Third-degree burn extending through all skin layers, requiring surgical intervention.
Full Definition
A full-thickness burn, also known as a third-degree burn, extends through the entire dermis and often into subcutaneous tissue. These burns appear white, brown, or charred and are typically painless due to nerve destruction. Full-thickness burns cannot heal by re-epithelialization and require surgical excision and grafting. They are distinguished from partial-thickness burns by their appearance and lack of sensation.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as adjective; distinguish from deep partial-thickness burns.
In Context
- "The full-thickness burns on the patient's back will require excision and skin grafting." — surgical consultation note
- "Full-thickness burns are typically painless due to destruction of nerve endings." — patient education material
Also known as
third-degree burn
Contrasted with
superficial burn
partial-thickness burn
Don't confuse with
deep partial-thickness burn