What is a common appearance characteristic of a second-degree burn?

A second-degree burn is characterized by the presence of blisters, also known as vesicles. This type of burn affects both the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis), leading to the formation of blisters filled with fluid. The presence of these vesicles is a defining feature of second-degree burns, indicating that the burn is deeper than a first-degree burn, which typically only causes redness and minor swelling without blister formation.

In contrast to the characteristics of second-degree burns, some other options may relate to different aspects of skin conditions or burn types. For example, pahoehoe refers to a specific type of lava flow, which is unrelated to burn classifications. Fibrous and scaly suggest changes associated with other skin conditions or aging rather than the acute effects of burns. Therefore, vesicular is the correct choice, as it accurately describes the key characteristic associated with second-degree burns, highlighting the blisters that develop as a consequence of the injury.