Which term describes a burn affecting only the outermost layer of skin?

• A. Superficial
• B. Partial Thickness
• C. Full Thickness
• D. Subdural/ Deep

Answer: (A)

Burn depth is described by how many skin layers are damaged. A burn that affects only the outermost layer, the epidermis, is called superficial. This corresponds to a first-degree burn, like a sunburn, where the skin is red and painful but not blistered, and it typically heals relatively quickly without scarring. If the burn went deeper into the dermis, it would be a partial-thickness burn and would usually blister and be more painful or sensitive for a longer period. A full-thickness burn would destroy both the epidermis and dermis (and possibly deeper tissues), often appearing pale or leathery and sometimes lacking pain due to nerve destruction, and it requires more extensive treatment. The term subdermal or deep isn’t used to describe a superficial burn, as that would imply damage beneath the dermis.