Final answer:
A superficial thickness burn affects only the epidermis, while a superficial partial thickness burn affects both the epidermis and a portion of the dermis.
Step-by-step explanation:
A superficial thickness burn is a burn that affects only the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. It is also known as a first-degree burn. These burns are characterized by pain, redness, and swelling, and usually heal on their own within a few days. An example of a superficial thickness burn is mild sunburn.
A superficial partial thickness burn, on the other hand, goes deeper and affects both the epidermis and a portion of the dermis, the layer beneath the epidermis. It is also known as a second-degree burn. These burns result in blistering of the skin and take longer to heal compared to superficial thickness burns. It is important to keep the burn site clean to prevent infection.