What type of burn affects the outer layer of skin?

The type of burn that affects the outer layer of skin is classified as superficial. Superficial burns, also known as first-degree burns, involve only the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin. These burns typically present with symptoms such as redness, minor swelling, and pain, but they do not damage deeper layers of skin. They usually heal within a few days without significant treatment beyond basic first aid, such as cool compresses and topical ointments to soothe the skin.

While partial thickness burns do affect the outer layer and extend into the dermis, they typically result in more extensive symptoms, including blisters and more intense pain. Full thickness burns go deeper, affecting all layers of skin and possibly underlying tissue, causing severe damage and requiring more extensive medical intervention. Surface burns can refer to very minor skin damage, but this term is less commonly used in clinical classifications compared to the others. Thus, the classification of burns emphasizes the specific layers affected, making superficial the correct identification for burns that impact only the outer skin.