What type of burn is described by red, painful skin with no blistering, involving only the epidermis?

• A. Deep partial thickness (2nd)
• B. Superficial (1st degree)
• C. 4th degree
• D. Full thickness (3rd degree)

Answer: (B)

Burn depth classification centers on how far the injury penetrates. A superficial burn involves only the epidermis, and that’s exactly what’s described: red skin that’s painful to touch but without blisters. The epidermis is irritated and painful, but the dermis remains intact, so there’s no fluid accumulation to form blisters. Healing is quick, typically within 3–6 days, with minimal to no scarring. Management focuses on cooling and analgesia, plus gentle wound care to prevent infection and protect the area as it heals. Deeper burns that involve the dermis or beyond would present with blistering or more extensive tissue damage and carry a risk of scarring.