What distinguishes deep partial burns from superficial partial burns?

Deep partial burns are distinguished from superficial partial burns primarily by their deeper tissue involvement, which affects their appearance and healing characteristics. Deep partial burns typically display a mottled appearance with pink and white hues due to the presence of viable tissue that is damaged. This mottled pattern results from blood vessel damage that causes some areas to appear pale or white while others remain red or pink.

In contrast, superficial partial burns usually present with a more uniform reddening of the skin and are generally more painful, with the presence of clear blisters. They typically heal faster, often within a couple of weeks, compared to deep partial burns, which may take longer to heal and can sometimes require surgical intervention.

While deep partial burns can indeed be characterized by burning sensations and may or may not develop blisters, it is their distinctive mottled appearance that sets them apart more definitively from superficial partial burns. Additionally, deep partial burns typically take longer than 3 weeks to heal, as they involve deeper layers of skin compared to superficial partial burns.