Conquer the Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare Specialist (EXW) Test 2026 – Energize Your Expedition!

The second degree of burn is considered the most painful because it affects both the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis). This type of burn is characterized by redness, swelling, and blistering, as well as significant pain due to nerve endings being involved in the dermis. The presence of blisters indicates damage to the skin, which can lead to sensitivity and discomfort as the burn area becomes inflamed.

In comparison, first-degree burns, which only affect the epidermis, cause redness and minor pain but do not involve the deeper layers of skin. Third-degree burns, while they may be more severe in terms of tissue damage, often involve destruction of nerve endings, making them less painful than second-degree burns. Therefore, the second-degree burn, with its combination of skin damage and nerve involvement, leads to the greatest level of pain experienced.