What characterizes a severe burn injury according to RTC burn criteria?

A severe burn injury is characterized by full thickness burns to more than 2% of the body. Full thickness burns extend through all layers of the skin, destroying the epidermis and dermis and penetrating into the underlying tissues. This type of burn can cause significant damage, including loss of sensation in the area due to nerve destruction, and poses a high risk for complications such as infection and fluid loss.

In addition to the depth of the burn, the percentage of body surface area affected is crucial in determining the severity. Burns that cover a larger percentage of the body can lead to systemic complications and often require more intensive medical management, possibly including surgical intervention and specialized burn care.

The other options describe conditions that do not meet the criteria for a severe burn injury. Partial thickness burns affecting less than 10% of the body are considered minor. Minor chemical burns and superficial burns on limbs typically involve only the outer layers of skin, and while they can still be painful and require treatment, they do not fall into the severe category defined by the specific criteria for assessing significant burn injuries.