Third degree burns are the most serious form of a burn. They are also called full-thickness burns.

Third degree burns are due to prolonged contact with a very hot object, liquid or gas that damages all 3 layers of skin. Deeper structures, such as muscle, tendon, bone, blood vessels and nerves, may be injured or destroyed.

These burns may cause charring of the skin and loss of sensation due to damaged nerve endings. Infections, scarring and loss of function are common with these deep burns.