Which second degree burn symptom indicates damage beyond the outer layer of skin?

Which second degree burn symptom indicates damage beyond the outer layer of skin?

• A. Redness
• B. Swelling
• C. Blisters
• D. Itching

Answer: (C)

The presence of blisters is a key symptom that indicates damage beyond the outer layer of skin in second-degree burns. Blisters form as a response to the injury, where the skin has been damaged enough to cause fluid to accumulate between the two upper layers of skin: the epidermis and the dermis. This fluid-filled sac acts as a protective barrier, aiding in healing and preventing infection. In contrast, redness can occur as a result of inflammation and is generally associated with superficial skin damage. Swelling is also a common inflammatory response but does not inherently indicate the depth of skin damage. Itching is often a symptom of healing skin or irritation but does not provide information about burn severity. Thus, blisters distinctly highlight the involvement of deeper skin layers, confirming the diagnosis of a second-degree burn.

The presence of blisters is a key symptom that indicates damage beyond the outer layer of skin in second-degree burns. Blisters form as a response to the injury, where the skin has been damaged enough to cause fluid to accumulate between the two upper layers of skin: the epidermis and the dermis. This fluid-filled sac acts as a protective barrier, aiding in healing and preventing infection.

In contrast, redness can occur as a result of inflammation and is generally associated with superficial skin damage. Swelling is also a common inflammatory response but does not inherently indicate the depth of skin damage. Itching is often a symptom of healing skin or irritation but does not provide information about burn severity. Thus, blisters distinctly highlight the involvement of deeper skin layers, confirming the diagnosis of a second-degree burn.