Which layers of the body are affected by a full thickness burn?

A full thickness burn involves damage that extends through all layers of the skin, reaching deeper tissues. In this context, a full thickness burn affects not only the epidermis and dermis, which are the outer layers of skin, but also involves subcutaneous tissues such as fat, and can penetrate as deep as muscle and bone, depending on the severity and duration of exposure to the burn source. This degree of injury results in the destruction of nerve endings, which may lead to a lack of pain sensation in the burned area, as well as potential complications such as infection and fluid loss.

The depth of damage in a full thickness burn necessitates significant medical intervention, which could include surgical repair and skin grafts for healing and restoration of skin integrity. Therefore, understanding that a full thickness burn can affect fat, muscle, and bone is crucial for assessing the severity of the injury and planning appropriate treatment strategies.