What is one way to identify partial thickness burns?

Partial thickness burns, also known as second-degree burns, are identified by certain key characteristics. One way to recognize them is by the presence of pain and blisters. The pain arises because both the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of skin are affected, making the area sensitive to touch. Additionally, the formation of blisters is a distinctive feature, as it indicates damage to the skin's layers and the body's response to protect the underlying tissues.

This focus on pain and blisters differentiates partial thickness burns from other types of burns. For instance, while superficial burns might heal quickly and affect only the outer layer of skin (the epidermis), and deeper burns may lack sensation due to nerve damage, partial thickness burns retain sensitivity due to nerve endings that are still intact. Thus, recognizing the accompanying pain and blistering helps to identify these burns accurately.