What color is characteristic of a third-degree burn?

A third-degree burn, also known as a full-thickness burn, is characterized by the destruction of both the epidermis and dermis layers of skin, extending into the subcutaneous tissue. The skin typically appears white or charred, indicating that it has been severely damaged and that blood vessels and nerve endings are often irreparably harmed. The white appearance comes from the underlying tissue being exposed, which can result from the loss of skin color due to damage.

In contrast, the other options like pale or red colors are more representative of less severe burns, such as first-degree burns which can present with redness and are generally painful, and second-degree burns, which can develop blisters and may appear red or swollen. Yellow is not a typical color associated with the presentation of burns and does not indicate any burn severity classification.