Final answer:
A second-degree burn affects both the epidermis and dermis, producing swelling and blistering, requiring cleanliness to prevent infection and heal properly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of burn that involves both the epidermis and the dermis is known as a second-degree burn. Unlike first-degree burns, which only affect the epidermis, second-degree burns penetrate deeper and can cause painful blistering of the skin. It is essential to keep the site of the burn clean and sterile to prevent infections so that it can heal properly within weeks. Burns more severe than second-degree include third-degree burns which extend through the dermis, damaging nerve endings and sensory function, and fourth-degree burns, which are the most severe, affecting muscle and bone beneath the skin.