A burn that involves the epidermis and most 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: (C)

Burn depth is defined by how many skin layers are destroyed. The epidermis is the outermost layer, and the dermis lies beneath it. If only the epidermis is damaged, you have a superficial burn. If the epidermis plus the superficial part of the dermis is damaged, that’s a superficial partial-thickness burn. If the epidermis is damaged along with most of the dermis, that’s a deep partial-thickness burn. If the entire epidermis and dermis are destroyed, potentially with underlying tissues, that’s a full-thickness burn.

In this case, the injury involves the epidermis and most of the dermis, which fits the deep partial-thickness category. These burns are more extensive than superficial partial-thickness burns and typically heal more slowly, with a higher risk of scarring and often requiring grafting depending on the depth and area involved.