Which term describes dead tissue at the center of a full-thickness burn?

Which term describes dead tissue at the center of a full-thickness burn?

• A. Eschar
• B. Slough
• C. Necrosis
• D. Hyperemia

Answer: (A)

In a full-thickness burn, all skin layers are destroyed and the center often becomes a dry, leathery crust of dead tissue known as eschar. This eschar forms from coagulative necrosis and represents the actual mass of devitalized tissue that remains after the burn. It distinguishes itself from slough, which is typically moist and loose necrotic tissue found in many wounds and not the characteristic dry, firm crust seen in burns. Necrosis is the general process of cell death, but eschar is the specific term for that dead tissue center in this burn pattern. Hyperemia refers to increased blood flow causing redness, not dead tissue.

In a full-thickness burn, all skin layers are destroyed and the center often becomes a dry, leathery crust of dead tissue known as eschar. This eschar forms from coagulative necrosis and represents the actual mass of devitalized tissue that remains after the burn. It distinguishes itself from slough, which is typically moist and loose necrotic tissue found in many wounds and not the characteristic dry, firm crust seen in burns. Necrosis is the general process of cell death, but eschar is the specific term for that dead tissue center in this burn pattern. Hyperemia refers to increased blood flow causing redness, not dead tissue.