_______ burns may involve the subcutaneous layers, muscle, bone or internal organs.

Full-thickness burns are the most severe type of burn injury, as they extend beyond the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis) into the deeper subcutaneous layers, potentially affecting muscle, bone, and even internal organs. This extensive damage can lead to serious complications, including infection and significant functional impairment of the affected area.

The characteristics of full-thickness burns include skin that appears white, charred, or leathery, and these burns are often painless in the burned area due to nerve damage. This level of injury requires advanced medical intervention, often including surgical procedures such as skin grafts, to promote healing and restore function.

Understanding the severity of full-thickness burns is crucial for proper evaluation and treatment, distinguishing them clearly from superficial or partial-thickness burns, which do not penetrate to the same depth or cause as much severe tissue destruction.