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Why should clothing stuck to a severe burn not be pulled off?

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Cross-section diagram of human skin showing burn depth by degree, with arrows indicating that first-degree burns affect only the epidermis, second-degree burns reach the dermis, third-degree burns extend into subcutaneous tissue, and fourth-degree burns penetrate to muscle. — burn This diagram shows how burn injuries are classified by severity. First-degree burns damage the outer skin, known as the epidermis. First-degree burns are the least severe form of burn injury. Second-degree burns damage the outer skin and some of the underlying skin, known as the dermis, which also includes some connective tissue. Third-degree burns damage all the layers of skin, including subcutaneous tissue. Fourth-degree burns, which are the most severe, destroy every layer of skin and also damage muscle, tendons, and bones.

When dealing with a severe burn, it is critical to avoid pulling off clothing that has become stuck to the wound. Attempting to remove such material can cause further damage to the already compromised tissues and exacerbate the injury.1

The primary goal in managing a burn lesion is to prevent infection and avoid additional trauma to the damaged area. By leaving stuck clothing in place, you prevent the unnecessary tearing of skin or underlying structures that may have adhered to the fabric during the burning process. Instead of attempting to remove the clothing, the injury should be covered with bulky, sterile dressings or freshly laundered bed linens while seeking professional medical attention as quickly as possible.21