To determine the difference between the burns you have to be able to tell the extent of the damage to the body tissues. The least serious is obviously the first degree which is when the outer layer of skin is burned, but not all the way through. Some symptoms are the skin is usually red, often there is some swelling, and sometimes there is pain. The second degree burn is the next which is when the first layer of skin is burned through and the second layer is also burned. Some symptoms of these burns are blisters, skin has a red and blotchy appearance, and there is severe pain and swelling. Third degree burns are the most severe they involve all the layers of skin and usually causes permanent tissue damage. Fat, muscle, and bone can be affected. Areas could be either charred black or appear dry and white. Difficulty breathing and getting carbon monoxide poisoning could occur.