What is a primary cause of 1st Degree burns?

The primary cause of first-degree burns is sunburn or mild heat exposure. This type of burn affects only the outer layer of skin, known as the epidermis, leading to symptoms such as redness, minor swelling, and pain. Sunburn is a common example, as excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage the skin at this superficial level. Mild heat exposure, such as touching a hot surface briefly, can also result in similar forms of superficial skin damage.

Other sources often lead to burns of greater severity or different characteristics. For instance, electrical shock, friction with metal surfaces, and chemical exposure can all cause more profound harm that affects deeper layers of skin or tissues, resulting in second-degree burns or worse. This distinction highlights why the option referencing sunburn or mild heat exposure is correctly identified as the primary cause of first-degree burns.