Final answer:
Medical management for partial-thickness burns involves cleaning and protecting the burn site, while full-thickness burns require excision of damaged tissue and skin grafting.
Step-by-step explanation:
Partial-thickness burns, also known as second-degree burns, affect both the epidermis and a portion of the dermis. These burns result in painful blistering of the skin and typically heal within several weeks with proper care and hygiene to prevent infection.
Medical management for partial-thickness burns may involve cleaning the burn site, applying antibiotic ointments or creams, and using non-stick dressings to protect the area while it heals. Pain relief medications may also be prescribed if necessary.
Full-thickness burns, also known as third-degree burns, extend into the epidermis and dermis, and can even affect the underlying muscle and bone.
These burns are serious and require immediate medical attention. They do not heal on their own and cannot be repaired by the body's natural healing process. The medical management for full-thickness burns typically involves excision (debridement) of the damaged tissue, followed by grafting of the skin from an unaffected part of the body or from skin grown in tissue culture for grafting purposes.