A 35-year-old man sustains a deep partial-thickness (deep dermal) flame burn to the anterior chest. On examination, the area is mottled pink and white, has reduced sensation to pinprick, and shows no blanching on pressure. Which statement best describes the expected healing?
- A Heals spontaneously within 7 days with no scarring
- B Heals by scarring over 3 to 5 weeks, often with hypertrophic scarring ✓
- C Heals spontaneously within 10 to 21 days with minimal scarring
- D Cannot heal spontaneously and always requires surgical excision and grafting
Correct answer: B. Heals by scarring over 3 to 5 weeks, often with hypertrophic scarring
Explanation
Deep dermal (deep partial-thickness) burns involve the deep dermis, appear mottled with reduced sensation due to nerve damage, and heal over 3 to 5 weeks with significant hypertrophic scarring risk. Superficial dermal burns heal within 10 to 21 days. Full-thickness burns cannot heal spontaneously as all dermal elements are destroyed and require grafting.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 28th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.