First Aid for Corrections Officers Practice Test

Which type of burns damage only the outermost layer of skin?

1. First-degree burns

2. Second-degree burns

3. Third-degree burns

4. Fourth-degree burns

The correct answer is: First-degree burns

First-degree burns are characterized by damage limited to the outermost layer of skin, known as the epidermis. These burns typically result in redness, minor swelling, and pain. The skin may appear dry, but there is usually no blistering. This type of burn often heals within a few days without significant medical intervention, making it the least severe form of burn injury. In contrast, second-degree burns affect both the epidermis and the underlying layer, known as the dermis, resulting in more severe pain, swelling, and blistering. Third-degree burns extend through all layers of the skin and can damage deeper tissues, leading to a loss of sensation in the affected areas due to nerve damage. Fourth-degree burns are even more severe, extending through the skin and subcutaneous tissues and potentially affecting muscles and bones. Therefore, first-degree burns are the only type that restrict damage to the outermost skin layer.