What is a second degree burn also known as?

A second-degree burn is classified as a partial thickness burn. This type of burn affects both the outer layer of skin, known as the epidermis, and the underlying layer, called the dermis. It typically presents with redness, swelling, and blisters, indicating that the damage extends beyond just the outer layer of skin but does not penetrate through to the deepest layers.

Understanding burns in this way is important for proper assessment and treatment. Partial thickness burns are often characterized by more severe symptoms than first-degree burns, which only involve the epidermis, and they require careful management to promote healing and minimize complications. In contrast, full thickness burns (the first option) would encompass damage that goes deeper than the dermis into deeper tissues, while superficial burns refer only to the uppermost layer. The term "deep tissue burn" isn't a standard classification used in burn care, making partial thickness the appropriate term in this context.