first-degree burn

injury

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Last updated

June 26, 2026

Quick Summary

A first-degree burn is a mild burn that causes heat, pain, and redness on the skin's surface. It does not result in blistering or charring of the tissues. This type of burn is also known as a superficial burn.1

In contrast, a second-degree burn is more severe, characterized by pain, blistering, and superficial destruction of the dermis, along with swelling and redness in the underlying tissues.2

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2 Britannica Sources

first-degree burn
second-degree burn

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burn
In a first-degree burn, only the epidermis is affected. These injuries are characterized by redness and pain; there are no blisters, and edema (swelling due to the accumulation of fluids) in the wounded tissue is minimal. A classic example of a first-degree burn is moderate sunburn.
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In a first-degree burn, only the epidermis is affected. These injuries are characterized by redness and pain; there are no blisters, and edema (swelling due to the accumulation of fluids) in the wounded tissue is minimal. A classic example of a first-degree burn is moderate sunburn.
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burn
First aid.
Following a first-degree or a small second-degree burn, the best first aid is to quickly immerse the wound under cool tap water. This action will stop the burning process and dissipate the heat energy from the wound. The wound should then be cleansed with mild soap and…
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Following a first-degree or a small second-degree burn, the best first aid is to quickly immerse the wound under cool tap water. This action will stop the burning process and dissipate the heat energy from the wound. The wound should then be cleansed with mild soap and…
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human disease
Injuries from cold or heat
A first-degree burn is the least destructive and affects the most superficial layer of skin, the epidermis. Sunburn is an example of a first-degree burn. The symptoms are pain and some swelling. A second-degree burn is a deeper and hence more severe injury. It is characterized…
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A first-degree burn is the least destructive and affects the most superficial layer of skin, the epidermis. Sunburn is an example of a first-degree burn. The symptoms are pain and some swelling. A second-degree burn is a deeper and hence more severe injury. It is characterized…
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