Chemicals, fire, heat, the sun, electricity and radiation can cause injurious burns to the soft tissue of the body, the American Association of Retired Persons reports. Skin burns have different classifications according to severity. First degree burns such as sunburn involve the epidermis, or the first layer of the skin. The second-degree burn occurs with the dermis of the skin; blisters form, as well as openings in the skin. Third degree burns damage the skin, muscle fat and bone. Scarring usually occurs with this type of severe burn.
First- and Second-Degree Burns
Diagnostics involve the amount of surface area of the burn, as well as its severity, the American Association of Retired Persons indicates. This helps the doctor decide how to treat the burns. A physician can usually treat first-degree and second-degree burns in the office if they occur on 15 percent or less of a person's body surface area.
Moderate Burns
Moderate burns cover more than 15 percent of a person's body, but also classify as first- and second-degree burns, the American Association of Retired Persons reports. These burns need to be treated at a hospital. The hospital staff will determine the type of treatment for the burns, as well as help prevent infections from settling into the burned area.
Critical Burns
Critical burns affect more than 25 percent of the body, the American Association of Retired Persons reports. These burns can occur externally as well as internally through inhalation of heat, smoke and chemicals. Any burns involving the eyes, fingers, ears, genital area, face, upper and lower neck, hands and feet classify as critical, and require hospitalization. Dehydration and infection factor into the diagnosis as well as what form of treatment doctors will implement.
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