What indicates a second degree burn?

A second-degree burn is characterized by damage to both the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis). The presence of blisters is a key indicator of this type of burn, as the injury leads to the separation of skin layers and fluid buildup, resulting in blisters. This blistering is often accompanied by redness and significant pain, which differentiates it from more superficial burns or more severe burns.

In contrast to second-degree burns, a first-degree burn might show reddened skin but does not typically result in blistering. Third-degree burns, on the other hand, present with a white or charred appearance due to extensive tissue damage, and in some cases, may not be painful at all due to nerve damage. Additionally, skin that shows no visible damage indicates a surface-level injury, which does not qualify as a burn. Hence, the presence of blisters is the definitive characteristic that confirms the classification as a second-degree burn.