What type of burn affects only the epidermis?

A first-degree burn is characterized by affecting only the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin. This type of burn is often caused by brief exposure to heat, sunburn, or minor scalds. The symptoms typically include redness, mild swelling, and pain in the affected area, but since it does not penetrate deeper than the epidermis, there are no blisters or significant tissue damage. Healing usually occurs within a few days without scarring.

In contrast, second-degree burns extend into the dermis, leading to more severe symptoms such as blisters and a greater degree of pain. Third-degree burns penetrate through all layers of the skin and can damage underlying tissues, resulting in a loss of sensation at the burn site due to nerve damage. Fourth-degree burns go even deeper, affecting muscle, tendons, and bone and often require surgical intervention. Hence, first-degree burns being limited to the epidermis makes them distinct from the more severe burn types.