A burn patient with red skin and blisters is described as having which type of burn?

• A. Superficial Burn
• B. Partial-Thickness Burn
• C. Full-Thickness Burn
• D. Chemical Burn

Answer: (C)

Red skin with blisters points to a partial-thickness burn, meaning the injury affects the epidermis and part of the dermis. These burns are usually very painful and moist, and blisters form as fluid collects between the skin layers. Healing occurs from the remaining skin structures, which is why second-degree burns tend to recover more quickly than deeper injuries. Full-thickness burns, by contrast, destroy all skin layers and often look white, tan, brown, or black and may be numb due to nerve damage. While chemical burns can also blister, the depth and tissue damage determine classification, not the cause alone. In care, cool if not chemically contaminated, cover with a sterile nonadhesive dressing, avoid popping blisters, assess burn size and need for transport, and monitor for complications.