Which of the following is a typical symptom of a second degree burn?

• A. Pain without swelling
• B. Presence of blisters
• C. Entire skin integrity maintained
• D. Exposure of underlying tissue

Answer: (B)

A second-degree burn is characterized by damage that affects both the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis). One of the hallmark signs of this type of burn is the presence of blisters, which form as fluids accumulate between the layers of skin due to injury. These blisters serve as a protective mechanism, helping to prevent further injury and infection while the skin heals.

The other options describe features that do not accurately reflect the nature of a second-degree burn. Pain without swelling may occur in other types of burns, but second-degree burns typically involve significant pain and swelling. Maintaining entire skin integrity is more characteristic of first-degree burns, which only affect the epidermis and do not form blisters. Lastly, the exposure of underlying tissue is indicative of a third-degree burn, where the damage extends deeper, resulting in the destruction of both the epidermis and dermis, as well as potential exposure of fat and muscle. Therefore, the presence of blisters stands out as the defining symptom of a second-degree burn.