partialthickness

Partial thickness is a medical term used to describe injuries or tissue layers that involve only a portion of the depth of the epidermis and dermis, rather than the full thickness. The term is most commonly applied to skin burns and wounds, but it can also refer to surgical grafts where only a portion of the dermal layer is transferred.

In burns, partial-thickness injuries are subdivided into superficial partial-thickness and deep partial-thickness. Superficial partial-thickness burns extend through the epidermis and into the upper (papillary) dermis. They typically present with red, blistered skin, intact sensation, and usually heal in about 7 to 14 days with minimal scarring. Deep partial-thickness burns reach deeper into the dermis, may appear pale or mottled, and often have reduced sensation. Healing is slower, generally 3 to 6 weeks, and scarring or pigment changes are more common; some cases may require surgical intervention if healing is unlikely.

Management focuses on preventing infection, maintaining a moist wound environment, and providing adequate pain control. Early wound cleaning, debridement of nonviable tissue, tetanus prophylaxis, and appropriate dressings (such as hydrocolloid or silicone dressings) are common. Deep partial-thickness burns with poor healing or those in functionally important areas may require surgical excision and grafting.

In reconstructive contexts, partial-thickness grafts (split-thickness grafts) involve harvesting epidermis and part of the dermis and are used for larger wounds because the donor site can heal more quickly than a full-thickness graft. They have a higher risk of contraction and pigment change compared with full-thickness grafts, but they provide greater donor-area availability.

See also: full-thickness, wound healing, burn depth, grafting.