What are the symptoms of a first-degree burn?

A first-degree burn is characterized by specific symptoms that distinguish it from more severe burns. Redness occurs due to increased blood flow to the area, which is part of the body's inflammatory response to injury. This redness is often accompanied by warmth because the damaged tissues become inflamed. Mild pain is also a common symptom, as the nerve endings in the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) are still intact and respond to injury.

This combination of redness, warmth, and mild pain indicates that the burn has only affected the outer layer of skin, making it a first-degree burn. In contrast, the symptoms described in the other choices indicate more severe burns, such as second-degree or third-degree burns, which involve more extensive skin damage and different types of symptoms like blistering, severe pain, skin peeling, and changes in skin color ranging from white to charred.