First vs. Second Degree Burns: Symptoms, Healing & Treatment

First-degree burns

* Affect only the outermost layer of skin (epidermis)

* Cause pain, redness, and swelling

* Heal within a few days to weeks without scarring

Second-degree burns

* Affect both the epidermis and the dermis (the layer of skin beneath the epidermis)

* Cause pain, redness, swelling, and blisters

* Heal within a few weeks to months, but may leave scars

* May require medical treatment, such as antibiotics and pain medication