Which type of burn involves damage to the outermost layer of skin?

A first-degree burn is characterized by damage to the outermost layer of skin, known as the epidermis. This type of burn typically results in redness, minor swelling, and pain at the affected site. A common example of a first-degree burn is a mild sunburn. The skin may appear dry but does not form blisters, and the healing process usually occurs within a few days without scarring.

Understanding the layers of skin helps clarify why this is the correct answer. The second-degree burn affects both the epidermis and the underlying layer (the dermis), leading to more severe symptoms like blistering and significant pain. A third-degree burn extends into deeper tissues, damaging both the epidermis and dermis and often resulting in a whitish or charred appearance, with the potential for no sensation in the burned area due to nerve damage. An electrical burn, while a categorization that can be severe, does not specifically refer to damage strictly at the skin's surface but can affect deeper structures depending on the severity and current path.