A third-degree burn involves destruction of which layers?

A third-degree burn involves destruction of which layers?

• A. Only epidermis
• B. Only dermis
• C. Epidermis and dermis destroyed
• D. Epidermis and dermis preserved

Answer: (C)

Third-degree burns are full-thickness injuries that destroy both the epidermis and the underlying dermis. The outer epidermis provides the protective barrier, while the dermis contains key structures like sweat glands, hair follicles, nerve endings, and blood vessels. When both layers are destroyed, the skin loses its barrier and its networks for healing, so the area often appears dry, leathery, and white or charred, with little or no sensation due to nerve destruction. Because the regenerative layers are gone, natural re-epithelialization is unlikely, and skin grafting is typically required.

Third-degree burns are full-thickness injuries that destroy both the epidermis and the underlying dermis. The outer epidermis provides the protective barrier, while the dermis contains key structures like sweat glands, hair follicles, nerve endings, and blood vessels. When both layers are destroyed, the skin loses its barrier and its networks for healing, so the area often appears dry, leathery, and white or charred, with little or no sensation due to nerve destruction. Because the regenerative layers are gone, natural re-epithelialization is unlikely, and skin grafting is typically required.