Is a second-degree burn dull or shiny in appearance?

A second-degree burn is characterized by damage to both the epidermis and the dermis layers of the skin, resulting in the formation of blisters. The appearance of the burn area is often shiny due to the presence of exudate (a fluid that leaks from blood vessels) and the disrupted surface of the skin. The shiny appearance is a result of moisture retained in the damaged tissues and the way light reflects off these surfaces.

In contrast, the other options like dull, matte, or opaque do not accurately describe the typical appearance of a second-degree burn. These terms suggest a lack of sheen, which would not apply to the fluid-filled blisters present in this type of burn. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the actual observable characteristic of second-degree burns.