Which type of burn extends into the dermis, often blisters, and can be extremely painful?

The category of burn that extends into the dermis, often resulting in blisters and is characterized by extreme pain, is known as a second-degree burn. This type of burn affects both the outer layer of skin, which is the epidermis, and the underlying layer, the dermis. When the dermis is involved, the body typically reacts by forming blisters to protect the deeper layers of skin, which can be quite painful because of the presence of nerve endings in this area.

First-degree burns, in contrast, only affect the epidermis, leading to redness and mild pain, but do not cause blistering or extend into the dermis. Third-degree burns penetrate through the dermis into deeper tissues, often resulting in a loss of sensation in the area due to nerve damage, which makes them less painful than second-degree burns. Electrical burns can vary in depth of injury but may often produce varied symptoms depending on the nature and severity of the electrical injury, thus they do not specifically align with the characteristics described in the question.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective assessment and treatment of burn injuries, particularly regarding pain management and wound care.