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A first-degree burn is characterized by its effect on the skin's layers. It is classified as a superficial burn that impacts only the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin. This type of burn typically occurs from mild injuries such as sunburn and is often red, dry, and painful while generally healing without the need for medical intervention.

Understanding this classification is essential for recognizing the severity of burns and determining appropriate treatment. It is crucial to distinguish first-degree burns from more severe types that involve deeper layers of skin, which can result in more significant damage and complications. These include partial thickness burns that affect both the dermis and epidermis, as well as full thickness burns that penetrate all layers of skin, including the subcutaneous layer.