What is a common example of a 1st degree burn?

A common example of a first-degree burn is sunburn. This type of burn affects only the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. Sunburn typically results from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, leading to redness, mild swelling, and discomfort, but it does not involve damage to deeper layers of the skin.

First-degree burns like sunburn usually heal within a few days without significant medical intervention, and they usually do not cause blisters. Recognizing sunburn as a first-degree burn is important for understanding the potential hazards of sun exposure and the need for protection against UV rays to prevent skin damage.

In contrast, the other examples involve more severe burns. Exposure to flame, contact with boiling water, and a hot coffee spill often result in second-degree burns that damage deeper layers of the skin, usually leading to blisters and more severe pain.