These are also called partial thickness burns. Superficial second-degree burns cause the destruction of the upper layer of the skin, the epidermis, and a minor portion of the second layer, the dermis. These burns are particularly painful because they expose the microscopic nerves of the skin. These burns are more pink because of the exposure of tiny blood vessels just under the burned skin. In addition, second-degree burns can become quite swollen.
Healing takes about two weeks and usually causes little if any scarring.
These burns destroy the epidermis and most if not all of the dermis. Because the nerves of the skin are destroyed with these layers, these burns may actually be less painful. They usually have a pale or charred appearance. These burns are quite susceptible to infection. Healing usually requires skin grafting and leaves scars.