Specialized Treatment for Severe Third-Degree Burns at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican

A third-degree burn, or full-thickness burn, is the most severe type of burn. It causes damage to all the layers of the skin and some of the underlying muscle, fat, or bone. The amount of body surface area affected determines the severity of a third-degree burn. A third-degree burn is a medical emergency. The combination of fluid loss and tissue damage can be fatal.

Call 911 immediately for third degree burns. Use InQuicker, the Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican online waiting service, to select your estimated arrival time at the emergency room for third-degree burns in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV. 

 

What Causes Third-Degree Burns in Las Vegas, NV?

Common causes of third-degree burns include:

  • Electricity from high-voltage sources, including power lines.
  • Scalds from oil, hot water, steam, or beverages.
  • Chemicals, including cleaners, bleach, and battery acid.
  • Radiation, including nuclear sources, such as fallout burns.
  • Heat from hot objects or flames, such as irons, ovens, or stoves.

 

Third-Degree Burn Symptoms

Unlike other types of burns, there may be no pain with a third-degree burn. The area may even feel numb. This is because the burn has destroyed nerve endings in the underlying tissues and skin. Also, there is also no blistering because the burn has destroyed the tissues that could blister. 

Common symptoms of a third-degree burn include swelling and skin that appears brown, white, stiff, dry, waxy, leathery, or charred. If smoke inhalation also occurs, the person may have difficulty breathing or other problems.

 

Third-Degree Burn Treatment

Third-degree burns are medical emergencies. Call 911 or go immediately to the nearest Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospital. 

Keep these things in mind with a third-degree burn:

  • Do not immerse the burn in water.
  • Do not remove clothing stuck to the burn. 
  • Keep the burn elevated above the level of the heart if possible.
  • Cover the burn with a cool, clean bandage or cloth. 

Third-degree burns require specialized care. This may include: 

  • Intravenous (IV) fluids
  • Debridement (removal) of tissue
  • Antibiotics
  • Blood transfusions
  • Skin grafting
  • Medication for pain

Reconstructive and plastic surgery can help restore appearance and function.

Prevention strategies focus on following safety measures around potential sources of burns, including chemicals, high-voltage power lines, and when cooking with oil or water.

Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican offers emergency services, including treatment for third-degree burns, in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.