Which degree of burns is characterized by severe pain, redness, and blisters?

The characteristic features of a second-degree burn include severe pain, redness, and the presence of blisters. This type of burn affects both the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and part of the underlying layer (dermis). The damage to these layers explains the severity of the pain experienced by the individual, as numerous nerve endings are present in the dermis. The blistering is a result of fluid accumulation between the layers of skin, which further signifies a second-degree burn, distinguishing it from first-degree burns that generally only involve redness and mild pain without blistering. Third-degree burns penetrate even deeper, damaging all layers of the skin and often resulting in a lack of pain due to nerve ending destruction. Fourth-degree burns extend through the skin into the underlying tissues, such as muscle and bone, also without sensation in areas affected. This context highlights the significance of the symptoms associated with second-degree burns, affirming why it is the correct choice.