What characterizes a first-degree burn?

A first-degree burn is characterized by reddening of the skin. This type of burn affects only the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, causing it to become red, mildly swollen, and painful while typically not resulting in blisters. The skin might feel dry, but it does not have the severe damage associated with deeper burns. The healing process for first-degree burns is usually straightforward, with the skin often healing within a week with minimal scarring.

Options that describe blisters, destruction down to fat, or dry and pale appearances pertain to more severe degrees of burns, specifically second-degree (which includes blisters) and third-degree burns (which involve deeper tissue damage). Understanding these characteristics helps in identifying and categorizing burns appropriately for treatment.