What does a second-degree burn typically involve?

A second-degree burn is characterized by the involvement of both the epidermis and the upper layers of the dermis. This type of burn often presents with symptoms such as redness, swelling, and the formation of blisters, which are a result of fluid accumulation between the layers of skin. The presence of blisters indicates that damage has extended deeper than just the outermost layer of skin, while still preserving some degree of skin integrity, which is why the involvement of the upper dermis is key. This level of injury typically results in significant pain and may require medical treatment to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

The other options do not accurately represent the characteristics of a second-degree burn. For instance, describing a second-degree burn as only affecting the epidermis with no damage fails to account for the blister formation and deeper skin involvement. Similarly, stating it involves only the dermis or full thickness of skin represents either a superficial first-degree burn or a more severe third-degree burn respectively, both of which do not fit the clinical definition of a second-degree burn.