A partial-thickness (2nd degree) burn involves damage to which sections of tissue?

A partial-thickness (2nd degree) burn is characterized by damage that extends through the epidermis and into the dermis, but does not affect the underlying subcutaneous tissue. This type of burn can result in blisters, swelling, and pain, as both the outer layer (epidermis) and the inner layer (dermis) of the skin are involved. The dermis contains critical structures such as blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and sweat glands, which can contribute to the burn's symptoms and healing process.

In contrast, a full-thickness burn would involve damage to all layers of the skin, including the subcutaneous tissue, and a superficial burn would only affect the epidermis. Therefore, understanding that a partial-thickness burn compromises both the epidermis and dermis is essential for identifying the extent of injury and planning appropriate care and treatment.