Milady Esthetics State Board Practice Test

A burn that damages the muscle and bones is classified as what degree of burn?

1. First degree

2. Second degree

3. Third degree

4. Fourth degree

The correct answer is: Fourth degree

A burn that damages not just the skin but extends into the muscle and bones is classified as a fourth-degree burn. This level of burn is the most severe and involves the complete destruction of the skin and underlying tissues. In fourth-degree burns, there is significant damage that can affect skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and even bone. This level of burn often requires extensive medical intervention, including potential surgery and rehabilitation, due to the deep tissue destruction and the risk of complications such as infections. First-degree burns only affect the outer layer of the skin, resulting in redness and minor pain but do not damage deeper structures. Second-degree burns involve both the outer layer and underlying layer of skin, causing blisters and more severe pain. Third-degree burns penetrate through the skin and into deeper tissues, often resulting in a charred appearance, but they do not necessarily damage muscle and bone to the extent seen in fourth-degree burns. Thus, the classification of burns clearly delineates each degree based on the severity of damage to the skin and underlying structures.