Which degree of burn causes irritation, reddening, and tingling of the epidermal layer?

The first degree burn is characterized by irritation, reddening, and tingling of the epidermal layer, which is the outermost layer of the skin. This type of burn affects only the epidermis, causing symptoms such as mild pain and sensitivity to touch. The skin may appear red, but there are no blisters or deeper tissue damage.

Understanding the different degrees of burns clarifies why first degree burns present these symptoms. Unlike second degree burns, which impact both the epidermis and part of the underlying dermis and typically produce blisters and more intense pain, first degree burns are more superficial and resolve relatively quickly, often within a few days. Third and fourth degree burns are much more severe, involving deeper layers of skin and potentially muscle or bone, and they usually result in significant tissue damage without the same symptoms of irritation and redness seen in first degree burns. Thus, the characteristics mentioned make first degree burns unique among the different classifications.