What distinguishes a second-degree burn from a first-degree burn?

A second-degree burn is characterized by its involvement of partial thickness of the dermis, in addition to the epidermis. This type of burn typically presents with more severe symptoms than a first-degree burn, including redness, swelling, pain, and the formation of blisters. The presence of blisters is a key indicator that the dermis is affected, which distinguishes it from a first-degree burn that only impacts the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis), meaning that while the skin is painful and red, it does not involve any deeper tissue layers or blistering.

Understanding the layers of the skin is crucial in differentiating between burn types. In first-degree burns, the damage is limited to the epidermis, which can lead to pain and redness but without blister formation. In contrast, second-degree burns affect both the epidermis and part of the underlying dermis, leading to more severe symptoms and prolonged healing time. Full-thickness burns, as mentioned in one of the options, refer to third-degree burns, which involve complete destruction of the epidermis and dermis, often resulting in a white or charred appearance and may not be painful in the same way due to nerve damage.