A burn that involves the epidermis and superficial portion of the dermis is classified as?

• A. Superficial burn (1st degree)
• B. Superficial partial-thickness burns (Superficial 2nd degree)
• C. Deep partial-thickness burns (Deep 2nd degree)
• D. Full thickness burn

Answer: (B)

Burn depth depends on how far into the skin the injury goes. If the epidermis is damaged and only the superficial part of the dermis (the papillary dermis) is involved, this is a superficial partial-thickness burn. This depth typically causes a very painful, red, blistered wound that blanches with pressure. Healing occurs mainly by re-epithelialization from the remaining epidermal cells and from skin appendages in the dermis, usually within about 1–3 weeks, with minimal scarring.

In contrast, first-degree burns affect only the epidermis and have no blisters; deep partial-thickness burns extend further into the dermis and may be less painful due to nerve involvement and often heal more slowly or require more intervention; full-thickness burns destroy all skin layers and usually require grafting.