As you may know, burn severity is measured in degrees. First- and second-degree burns penetrate the first and second layers of skin, respectively. Third degree burns — the most severe type of burn — penetrate all layers of skin, reaching the underlying tissues, musculature, or even bones. These types of burns pose the greatest risk of infection. Should a burn result in a bacterial infection, the body can go into sepsis and septic shock — a potentially lethal condition. Suffering a third-degree burn can result in the need for skin grafts to repair the losses in skin, cosmetic surgery, and rehabilitation to regain movement in the affected areas.

Burns that cover a greater amount of surface area on the body will lead to a greater inability for the body to regulate its own temperature. Burns on sensitive or delicate areas of the body — including the face, hands, or feet — may reduce sensation in those areas, as serious burns will destroy the nerve endings contained in the tissues.