Which of the following is a common example of a 3rd degree burn?

A third-degree burn, also known as a full-thickness burn, extends through the entire thickness of the skin, damaging both the epidermis and dermis, and can affect underlying tissues. This type of burn commonly results in a white, charred, or leathery appearance and may be painless at the site due to nerve damage.

Exposure to flames can cause a third-degree burn because the intense heat from flames can lead to severe tissue destruction. The prolonged exposure to high temperatures typically seen in flames can quickly compromise skin integrity and damage deeper structures, resulting in the characteristics associated with third-degree burns.

In contrast, sunburn is typically characterized as a superficial burn, affecting only the outer layers of the skin. A hot coffee spill or a scald from boiling water generally results in second-degree burns, which involve the epidermis and part of the dermis, presenting with blisters and pain. These types of burns are often more painful than third-degree burns because they still contain intact nerve endings in the affected areas. Thus, the nature of burns caused by flames aligns well with the definition and presentation of third-degree burns.