Which burn depth is characterized by epidermal and partial dermal involvement with blistering?

• A. First-degree burn
• B. Second-degree burn
• C. Third-degree burn
• D. Fourth-degree burn

Answer: (B)

Partial-thickness burns involve both the epidermis and a portion of the dermis. The skin damage disrupts the junction between these layers, allowing fluid to accumulate and form blisters. Because nerve endings near the surface are still present in the superficial dermis, these injuries are typically quite painful. This pattern matches blister formation with epidermal plus partial dermal involvement.

First-degree burns affect only the epidermis and usually don’t blister. Third-degree burns are full-thickness, destroying the entire dermis and often presenting as a leathery, insensate wound. Fourth-degree burns extend deeper into muscle or bone.