Which type of burn may require grafting?

Third-degree burns, also known as full-thickness burns, involve the complete destruction of the epidermis and dermis, and may extend into the underlying subcutaneous tissue. These burns are characterized by their appearance, which can be white, black, or leathery, and they typically do not cause pain due to the destruction of nerve endings.

Grafting is often required for third-degree burns because the damaged skin cannot heal on its own. The process of healing is compromised due to the loss of the skin's structural integrity and its ability to regenerate. As a result, skin grafts are used to cover the wound and provide a barrier to infection while facilitating healing. This is essential not only for closure of the wound but also for restoring skin function and appearance.

In contrast, first-degree burns (superficial burns) affect only the epidermis and typically heal on their own without the need for grafting. Second-degree burns (partial-thickness burns) involve the epidermis and part of the dermis; while they may require medical treatment, they can often heal without surgical intervention. Fourth-degree burns extend beyond subcutaneous tissue into muscle and bone and typically require complex surgical interventions, including grafts, but they are more severe and less common than third