Colorado Esthetician Written Practice Exam

Which degree burn affects the top two layers of the skin?

1. First Degree

2. Fourth Degree

3. Second Degree

4. Third Degree

The correct answer is: First Degree

A first-degree burn affects the top layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. This type of burn is considered minor and usually results in redness, pain, and mild swelling. The damage is limited to the outermost layer of the skin and does not typically result in blistering or scarring. In contrast, second-degree burns affect both the epidermis and the second layer of skin, the dermis, leading to more severe symptoms such as blistering, pain, and swelling. Third-degree burns extend through the entire dermis and can even affect deeper tissues, while fourth-degree burns are the most severe, extending through all skin layers and potentially affecting bones, muscles, and tendons.