What are symptoms of superficial burns?

Prepare for the New Zealand EMT CAD Test with our comprehensive resources. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with detailed hints and explanations to ensure success in your exam!

Superficial burns, also known as first-degree burns, primarily affect the outermost layer of skin, which is the epidermis. The main symptoms associated with superficial burns include redness, dryness, and minor swelling. These burns typically do not involve the formation of blisters, and while they can be painful, the intensity of pain is generally less than that seen in deeper burns.

The correct answer reflects the characteristic features of superficial burns, which are often caused by brief exposure to heat, such as sunburn or a quick flash from a flame. The skin may appear red due to increased blood flow to the area as part of the inflammatory response, and it feels dry because the epidermis is intact, unlike in more severe burns where skin integrity is compromised.

In contrast, the other choices represent symptoms of different types of burns. Blisters and intense pain are more indicative of second-degree burns, which affect the epidermis and part of the dermis. Blackened skin and necrosis suggest a third-degree burn, which destroys both the epidermis and the dermis, leading to charred or leathery skin. Swelling and weeping fluid are typical symptoms of second-degree burns as well, where damage extends deeper into the skin layers, causing fluid

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