Ace the 2026 Boy Scout First Aid Challenge – Be a Lifesaver in Style!

A second-degree burn is also known as a partial-thickness burn. This type of burn affects both the epidermis, which is the outer layer of skin, and part of the dermis, the underlying layer. Characteristics of a second-degree burn include pain, redness, swelling, and blistering. These symptoms arise because the damage extends deeper than a first-degree burn, which only affects the outer layer of skin.

Understanding the terminology is important in first aid as it helps responders properly assess the severity of the burn and decide on the appropriate treatment. First-degree burns, for instance, only cause superficial damage and typically heal without blistering, whereas full-thickness burns (which are more severe) damage all layers of the skin and may even affect underlying tissues like muscle and bone. Radiant burns are not a standard term for classifying burn severity. Thus, recognizing that a second-degree burn is defined as a partial-thickness burn helps in effectively managing the injury.