Superficial Dermal Partial Thickness Burns

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These burns involve the epidermis and the superficial part of the dermis – the papillary dermis. These types of burns are very painful due to the exposure of sensory nerves. Capillary return will be brisk as vasculature is intact. Blisters are trademark characteristics (11). The skin covering the blister is dead and is separated from the base by inflammatory oedema fluid (blister fluid). This fluid tents up the necrotic roof, thus forming the blister. When the blister ruptures the underlying papillary dermis is exposed. Dessication of the exposed dermis may affect the depth of tissue loss (4). The exposed papillary dermis is pink.

These burns heal spontaneously by epithelialisation within 14 days (4)

superficial dermal burns

most superficial dermal burns should heal without complication in less than 14 days
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The Alfred Hospital gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support and contribution of Skilled Medical in funding this project.  For more information on Skilled Medical, please visit www.skilledmedical.com
Supported by:

Ambulance Victoria The Alfred Victorian Adult Burn Services at The Alfred The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne