______ burns cause intense pain.

Second-degree burns, also known as partial thickness burns, involve the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of the skin. They are characterized by symptoms such as intense pain, swelling, and blisters. The pain is a result of nerve endings still being intact in the dermis, which is why individuals with second-degree burns experience significant discomfort.

The presence of blisters and a red, splotchy appearance also indicates that the burn has penetrated deeper than just the top layer of skin, which amplifies the pain sensation. In contrast, first-degree burns typically involve only the epidermis and result in less pain, mainly causing redness and mild discomfort. Superficial burns, while they may cause some pain, also pertain to first-degree burns. Third-degree burns, on the other hand, may cause pain initially, but as they damage nerve endings deeply, the affected area can become insensate or numb due to the destruction of those nerve endings. Thus, the correct answer acknowledges that second-degree burns are particularly noteworthy for their intense pain sensation.