Hawaii Massage License Practice Exam

What type of burn is characterized by blistering of the skin?

1. First Degree Burn

2. Second Degree Burn

3. Third Degree Burn

4. Fourth Degree Burn

The correct answer is: Second Degree Burn

A second-degree burn is characterized by the presence of blisters on the skin. This type of burn affects both the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis). When the skin sustains this kind of injury, it typically becomes red, swollen, and extremely painful, with the formation of blisters that can either remain intact or rupture. The blistering occurs as the body reacts to the injury, and the fluid accumulation beneath the skin serves as a protective mechanism, promoting healing. In contrast, first-degree burns only affect the epidermis, presenting with redness and mild swelling without blistering. Third-degree burns penetrate through both the epidermis and dermis and can cause severe damage to deeper tissues; they may appear white or charred with a leathery texture and are typically not painful due to nerve damage. Fourth-degree burns extend through all layers of skin and may even involve muscle, affecting the underlying anatomical structures, which again may lead to a complete loss of sensation in the burned area. Thus, the identification of blistering as a primary characteristic clearly defines second-degree burns.