Second-degree burns may appear in which colors?

Second-degree burns may appear in which colors?

• A. Red or white and blistered; skin may be moist
• B. Dry leathery
• C. Black eschar only
• D. No color change

Answer: (A)

Second-degree burns are partial-thickness injuries that affect the epidermis and part of the dermis. Because the deeper skin layers are damaged but not completely destroyed, the skin often looks red or white and develops fluid-filled blisters. The surface tends to be moist from tissue fluid, rather than dry. This combination of red or white coloration with blistering and a moist surface is what characterizes second-degree (partial-thickness) burns. Dry, leathery skin points to deeper damage with a full-thickness burn, while black eschar indicates dead tissue from a deep burn. No color change would be unlikely for a blistering burn and doesn’t fit this depth.

Second-degree burns are partial-thickness injuries that affect the epidermis and part of the dermis. Because the deeper skin layers are damaged but not completely destroyed, the skin often looks red or white and develops fluid-filled blisters. The surface tends to be moist from tissue fluid, rather than dry. This combination of red or white coloration with blistering and a moist surface is what characterizes second-degree (partial-thickness) burns.

Dry, leathery skin points to deeper damage with a full-thickness burn, while black eschar indicates dead tissue from a deep burn. No color change would be unlikely for a blistering burn and doesn’t fit this depth.