Which symptom is associated with partial thickness burns?

Partial thickness burns, also known as second-degree burns, affect both the epidermis and part of the underlying dermis. A hallmark characteristic of these types of burns is the formation of blisters. Blisters occur due to the accumulation of fluid between the layers of skin as a result of injury and inflammation. This response serves as a protective barrier for the underlying tissue while it heals. The presence of blisters is indicative of the damage to the dermal layer, which is a distinctive feature that differentiates partial thickness burns from other burn types.

In contrast, the other symptoms listed are not typically associated with partial thickness burns. For instance, charred skin is indicative of a full thickness burn (third-degree), while decreased sensation can occur in deeper burns where nerve endings are destroyed. Skin that is warm to the touch may be present in various burn types but is not a defining characteristic of partial thickness burns. Thus, blisters are the primary warning sign of this level of skin damage.