Which burn type typically exhibits unpainful skin and a white, leathery appearance?

A full thickness burn is characterized by significant damage that extends through all layers of the skin, including the epidermis, dermis, and often into the underlying tissues. This type of burn destroys nerve endings, which is why the affected area may not be painful—sensations like pain, heat, and touch can be absent. The skin in the area appears white, leathery, or charred due to the extensive thermal injury sustained.

The presence of a white, leathery appearance aligns with the nature of full thickness burns, as the tissue becomes necrotic and loses its ability to return to normal structure or function. These burns typically require medical intervention such as skin grafting and do not heal on their own, unlike other burn types which can often heal with conservative management. Understanding the characteristics of full thickness burns is crucial for proper assessment and treatment in emergency medical care.