What defines a second-degree burn?

A second-degree burn is characterized by damage that extends into the second layer of skin, known as the dermis. This type of burn is commonly associated with symptoms such as significant pain, blistering, and destruction of the superficial dermis. The presence of blisters often indicates the severity of the damage, as the liquid-filled pockets form to protect the underlying tissues and aid in the healing process.

In contrast, other choices describe different scenarios. Complete destruction of the skin relates to third-degree burns, which are much more severe and do not usually involve pain because the nerve endings are destroyed. Minimal redness and discomfort suggest a first-degree burn, which affects only the outermost layer of skin. The mention of immediate immersion in liquids does not correlate to any specific degree of burn and instead describes a potential cause of burns rather than the characteristics of the burn itself.