Which degree of burn is associated with the presence of blisters?

Second-degree burns are characterized by damage that extends beyond the outer layer of skin (epidermis) into the underlying layer (dermis). This depth of injury typically results in the formation of blisters, which are pockets of fluid that develop as a response to the burn. These blisters serve a protective function, creating a barrier to help reduce the risk of infection and further trauma.

In contrast, first-degree burns affect only the epidermis, leading to redness and minor pain, but do not cause blisters. Third-degree burns go even deeper, affecting all layers of the skin and potentially involving underlying tissues, but they are typically dry and leathery without the fluid-filled blisters seen in second-degree burns. Therefore, the presence of blisters is a definitive characteristic of second-degree burns.