What type of burn is considered a second-degree burn?

• A. A third-degree burn involving full skin thickness
• B. A first-degree burn affecting only the outer layer
• C. A partial-thickness burn affecting both the epidermis and dermis
• D. A superficial burn that does not damage skin layers

Answer: (C)

A second-degree burn, also known as a partial-thickness burn, affects both the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) and the dermis (the layer beneath). This type of burn typically results in symptoms such as redness, swelling, and blistering. Because it penetrates deeper than a first-degree burn, which only affects the outer layer of skin, second-degree burns can be more painful and may take longer to heal. The presence of blisters indicates that the dermis is involved, and healing usually results in some degree of scarring, depending on the severity of the burn. Thus, recognizing that a second-degree burn includes damage to both skin layers is essential for proper treatment and understanding of burn classifications.