What level of severity is a first degree burn classified as?

• A. Most serious
• B. Least serious
• C. Moderately serious
• D. Critical

Answer: (B)

A first-degree burn is classified as the least serious level of burn severity. This type of burn affects only the outer layer of skin, known as the epidermis. The symptoms typically include redness, mild swelling, and pain that can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and home care such as cold compresses and aloe vera. Since first-degree burns do not penetrate deeper layers of skin and generally heal within a few days without long-term damage, they are considered the least serious type of burn.

In contrast, other degrees of burns involve more severe damage: second-degree burns impact both the epidermis and the underlying dermis, while third-degree burns can damage all layers of skin and even affect deeper tissues. Hence, these classifications help in the assessment and management of burn injuries, making it clear that first-degree burns are comparatively minor.