Second-degree burns are best described as which type?

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Second-degree burns are partial-thickness injuries, meaning the damage goes through the epidermis and into part of the dermis. This depth preserves some dermal structures, so the skin is typically blistered and very painful because nerve endings in the superficial dermis are exposed. Healing occurs by re-epithelialization from remaining skin appendages over a couple of weeks, often with some scarring less than what you’d expect with deeper burns if infection is avoided and the wound is well cared for.

If the burn were full thickness, it would destroy the entire dermis (and possibly deeper tissues), appearing leathery or pale and often painless due to nerve destruction, usually requiring grafting. If it were superficial, it would involve only the epidermis (and not the dermis) and would be considered a milder burn. Involvement of subcutaneous tissue indicates a depth deeper than the dermis, which is not consistent with second-degree burns.