What type of burn involves skin peeling and blistering?

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

Answer: (B)

A second-degree burn is characterized by the damage to both the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis). This type of burn typically causes symptoms such as redness, swelling, and significant pain, but what distinguishes it are the blisters that form and the potential for skin peeling.

Blisters are fluid-filled sacs that develop as a protective response of the body and serve to shield the underlying tissue while it heals. The skin may appear shiny and wet due to the fluid accumulation underneath. This second-degree burn can be further classified into superficial partial thickness and deep partial thickness, depending on how deep the damage penetrates into the skin layers.

In contrast, a first-degree burn affects only the outer layer of skin and may cause redness and minor pain, but does not involve peeling or blistering. A third-degree burn goes deeper, affecting all layers of the skin and potentially even the underlying tissues, leading to severe damage and a loss of sensation in the area. Similarly, a fourth-degree burn involves more extensive damage, reaching muscle and bone, and is often life-threatening. Thus, the presence of blistering and peeling specifically aligns with a second-degree burn.