First-degree burns are:

• A. Painful, dry burns that only affect the topmost layer of skin
• B. Deep burns that affect all layers of skin
• C. Burns that are painless
• D. Burns that do not require medical attention

Answer: (A)

First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin (the epidermis). They are painful, with red, dry skin, and they do not blister because the deeper layers aren’t damaged. Healing occurs relatively quickly, usually within a few days, and scarring is unlikely. This matches the description of painful, dry burns that involve only the topmost skin layer, which is why it’s the correct choice.

In contrast, deeper burns involve more skin layers and often blister and may alter sensation; burns that are painless can indicate nerve damage or more severe injury; and while many minor first-degree burns heal without medical treatment, very large areas or burns on the face, hands, feet, or genitals should be evaluated by a clinician.