Third-degree burns, or full-thickness burns, are the most serious type of burn. They involve all the layers of the skin and underlying tissue and can cause permanent damage. More to Know Third-degree burns are most often caused by direct extended contact with fire, heated objects, steam, hot liquids, chemicals, or electrical currents. With a third-degree burn, the surface of the skin is swollen and looks dry, waxy white, leathery, brown, or charred. There may be severe pain — or, little or no pain because of nerve damage. Some burn victims go into shock. If someone suffers a third-degree burn, call 911 immediately. Make sure he or she is in a safe place but don't remove burned clothing. Apply cool water over the area for at least 3-5 minutes, then cover the area with a clean dry cloth or sheet until help arrives. If possible, elevate the burned body part(s) above the level of the heart. Once at the hospital, treatment may include cleaning the affected area and removing dead skin and tissue; antibiotics given orally (taken by mouth), topically (applied to the skin), or intravenously (IV) (through the veins); intravenous (IV) fluids; and pain medicine. Often, doctors do a skin graft — a type of surgery where healthy skin is taken from an unburned part of the body and placed on the wound to help it heal. Keep in Mind Third-degree burns are a serious medical emergency and can be life threatening. If treated quickly, however, many burn cases can have good outcomes. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles Fireworks Safety Fireworks safety starts with the manufacturer, but it ends with you! Read these tips on handling fireworks safely and have a blast on the Fourth! Read More Fireworks Safety Before your family celebrates a holiday, make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety. Read More How to Be Safe When You're in the Sun It's fun to be outside on a hot, sunny day. But too much sun and heat can make you feel terrible. Find out how to stay safe in this article for kids. Read More First Aid: Burns Scald burns from hot water and other liquids are the most common type of burn young kids get. Here's what to do if your child is burned. Read More Sun Safety By teaching kids how to enjoy fun in the sun safely, parents can reduce their risk for developing skin cancer. Read More Fireworks Safety Fireworks are cool to watch, but it's best to let the professionals set them off. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More A to Z: Burn, First-Degree A first-degree burn is a minor burn that only affects the top layer of skin, or epidermis. It is the mildest of the three types of burns (first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree). Read More A to Z: Burn, Second-Degree A second-degree burn affects the top two layers of skin (the epidermis and dermis). It is more serious than a first-degree burn. Read More Preventing House Fires Take the time now to review fire safety facts and tips to prevent fires in your home. Read More Burns Burns, especially scalds from hot water and liquids, are some of the most common childhood accidents. Minor burns often can be safely treated at home, but more serious burns require medical care. Read More Household Safety: Preventing Burns, Shocks, and Fires Burns are a potential hazard in every home. In fact, burns - especially scalds from hot water and liquids - are some of the most common childhood accidents. Here's how to protect kids from burns. Read More Childproofing and Preventing Household Accidents You might think of babies and toddlers when you hear the words "babyproofing" or "childproofing," but unintentional injury is the leading cause of death in kids 14 and under. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.