What degree burn is described as mild and often heals without blistering?

• A. First-degree
• B. Second-degree
• C. Third-degree
• D. Fourth-degree

Answer: (A)

The key idea is burn depth and what the skin layers are involved. A mild burn that heals without blistering involves only the epidermis, the outermost skin layer. This is characteristic of a first-degree burn. It typically presents with red, painful skin and warmth where touched, but no blisters form because the epidermal barrier remains intact. Healing occurs by regeneration of the epidermis and usually resolves in a few days to about a week, often with little or no scarring. Sunburn is a common example. In contrast, deeper burns that affect the dermis or deeper can produce blisters (second-degree) or leathery, white or charred tissue (third- or fourth-degree) and take longer to heal with more risk of scarring or functional loss.