Burn Classification: Partial-Thickness (Second Degree)
This patient has partial-thickness (second degree) burns, as burns extending through the epidermis into the dermis define second-degree injury. The correct answer is B. Partial-thickness (second degree).
Burn Depth Classification
The classification of burn depth is based on which anatomical layers are affected:
First-degree (superficial) burns involve only the epidermis and present with erythema without blistering 1, 2
Second-degree (partial-thickness) burns extend through the epidermis and involve part of the dermis, which precisely matches this patient's presentation 1, 3, 2
Third-degree (full-thickness) burns extend completely through the epidermis and dermis into subcutaneous fat 2
Fourth-degree (complete-thickness) burns expose bone, tendons, and muscles 3
Clinical Significance for This Patient
This patient requires immediate specialist referral because the burns involve critical anatomical locations (face and bilateral hands) that carry high risk for functional impairment and require specialized care beyond first aid 4, 5, 6.
Key Management Priorities:
Immediate cooling with clean running water for 5-20 minutes to limit tissue damage 4, 5, 6
Hand burns with any partial-thickness depth mandate immediate burn specialist consultation to prevent permanent functional disability 5
Facial burns require specialized care regardless of total body surface area involved 6
Burns on these locations automatically elevate severity and require expert management even if the total body surface area is small 5
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not delay specialist referral based on body surface area calculations alone—the anatomical location (face and hands) makes this a severe burn requiring immediate burn center evaluation regardless of size 5, 6. Undertriage of burns involving functional areas like hands increases morbidity and mortality 5.