A first-degree burn primarily damages which layer of the skin?

A first-degree burn is characterized by its effect on the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin. This type of burn typically leads to redness, minor swelling, and pain, commonly associated with sunburns. The epidermis protects the underlying layers of skin and has a critical role in barrier function, sensation, and regulation of fluid loss.

In the case of a first-degree burn, only the epidermis is affected, with the dermis (the layer beneath the epidermis involved in deeper structural support, blood supply, and sensory functions) remaining intact and undamaged. The subcutaneous layer, located even deeper, serves mostly as insulation and energy storage and is also unaffected by a first-degree burn. Understanding the layers of skin and their functions helps in recognizing the impact of various types of burns and how they influence treatment and healing processes.