What describes a partial thickness burn?

A partial thickness burn affects both the epidermis and parts of the dermis, which is why it is characterized by the presence of blisters. The blisters form because the injury damages the underlying skin layers, leading to fluid accumulation between them. This type of burn typically causes pain, redness, swelling, and the observable blistering, which indicates that the tissue is still viable but has been damaged to an extent.

In this context, a burn involving only the epidermis would not produce blisters, while a burn that damages all layers of the skin represents a full thickness burn, which differs significantly from partial thickness. A superficial abrasion is also not classified as a burn, as it involves scraping off only the outer layer of the skin without extending into the dermal tissue.