Final answer:
A second-degree burn affects both the epidermis and a portion of the dermis, can appear shiny due to blistering, and requires proper care to prevent infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
A second-degree burn is a partial-thickness burn that injures both the epidermis and a part of the dermis layer of the skin. Unlike a first-degree burn, which only affects the superficial layer, a second-degree burn results in swelling, redness, and painful blistering. The skin can appear shiny due to the clear fluid in the blisters, and it may look red or raw underneath if the blisters break. To avoid complications such as infection, it is crucial to keep the burn area clean and sterile.