A deep partial-thickness burn would involve damage through which skin layers?

• A. Epidermis only
• B. Epidermis and papillary dermis
• C. Reticular dermis and subcutaneous fat
• D. Epidermis, dermal appendages, and subcutaneous fat

Answer: (B)

Understanding burn depth helps predict healing and management. Partial-thickness burns affect both epidermis and part of the dermis. A deep partial-thickness burn means the injury goes into the dermis to the level of the papillary dermis—the upper part of the dermal layer directly beneath the epidermis. When the epidermis is damaged and the papillary dermis is involved, blistering occurs and healing is slower because the basal cells at the dermal-epidermal junction must regenerate, while deeper structures are not completely destroyed. If the injury extended into the reticular dermis or deeper, or into subcutaneous fat, that would indicate an even deeper injury.