The evaluation of someone with burns begins with a medical history and physical examination.

Physical findings in those with first degree burns include:

• Cause skin redness and pain
• They may cause some minor swelling.
• Blisters do not result from this first degree burns.
• The most common example of a first-degree burn is a sunburn.

Physical findings in those with second degree burns include:

• Cause redness and skin swelling
• Blisters are common

Physical findings in those with third degree burns include:

• Cause charring to the skin.
• Burned skin may appear white or dark.
• There is little or no sensation when touching the burn due to damage to the skin nerves.
• The areas outside of the burn may still be painful.

Tests may be necessary to determine the severity of the burns.

Tests that may be used to evaluate burns includes:

• Pulse oximetry
• Kidney profile
• Carbon monoxide level
• Urinalysis
• Complete blood count
• Chest x-ray

For more information:

• Chemical burns evaluation
• Electrical injury evaluation
• Frostbite and frostnip evaluation
• Sunburn evaluation