Which type of burn involves damage to the epidermis and possibly the dermis?

The correct answer is Partial-thickness burn. This type of burn affects both the epidermis and parts of the dermis, leading to varying degrees of damage. Partial-thickness burns are further classified into two subcategories: superficial partial-thickness burns, which primarily impact the upper layers of the dermis, and deep partial-thickness burns, which reach deeper into the dermis.

In contrast, first-degree burns only involve the epidermis and are characterized by redness, minor swelling, and pain without blistering. Full-thickness burns extend through the entire dermis, resulting in significant tissue damage, and often appear white, leathery, or charred, with loss of sensation in the affected area. Fourth-degree burns are the most severe, penetrating through all skin layers and potentially affecting underlying structures like muscle and bone. Each of these other classifications varies in depth and severity, which is why they do not match the description of the damage seen in partial-thickness burns.