What type of burn is characterized by superficial damage and redness?

The type of burn characterized by superficial damage and redness is indeed a first degree burn. This type of burn affects only the outer layer of skin, known as the epidermis. The hallmark signs of a first degree burn include redness, minor swelling, and pain at the burn site. Examples of first degree burns are mild sunburns or brief contact with a hot surface.

In contrast, second degree burns penetrate deeper into the skin, affecting both the epidermis and the second layer, the dermis. This results in blisters, more intense pain, and a more significant disruption of the skin's integrity. Third degree burns extend through the dermis and can affect deeper tissues, often resulting in a waxy, white, or charred appearance, and typically do not cause pain in the burned area due to nerve damage. Full thickness burns refer to injuries that extend through all layers of the skin and damage underlying tissues, often requiring more extensive medical intervention.

Thus, the description of superficial damage and redness aligns perfectly with the characteristics of a first degree burn.