How is the texture of a third-degree burn best described?

Third-degree burns, also known as full-thickness burns, impact both the epidermis and dermis, extending into the subcutaneous tissue. The texture of a third-degree burn is best described as hard because the skin becomes dry, leathery, and often charred. This hardness occurs due to the destruction of the skin's layers, which results in a loss of elasticity and the formation of a rigid, thickened area that does not heal well on its own.

In contrast, the other options don't accurately capture the characteristics associated with third-degree burns. Soft textures would indicate a more intact and supple tissue, which is not applicable in this case. Rough textures can suggest a minor or superficial injury, while a fleshy description might imply healthy, viable tissue that is not present in a third-degree burn. The extreme damage caused by these burns results in textures that are not only hard but also potentially without sensation, as nerve endings are often destroyed in the process.