Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) Practice Test

A third-degree burn actually tends to be the least painful type of burn because it destroys nerve endings within the skin. These burns penetrate through the epidermis and dermis into the underlying tissues, leading to a loss of sensation in the area. Although third-degree burns are severe and may require extensive medical treatment and skin grafting, they can result in significant tissue damage without the pain that is characteristic of first-degree and second-degree burns. In contrast, first-degree burns are painful and involve only the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, leading to redness and minor swelling. Second-degree burns affect both the epidermis and the underlying dermis, causing blisters and a significant amount of pain as the nerve endings remain intact. Lastly, burns of any degree can lead to loss of skin function, which includes protection against infection and regulation of body temperature. Understanding the nature of different burn degrees is crucial for effective first aid and treatment decisions.