Which of the following best describes a third-degree burn?

A third-degree burn is characterized by its severity, as it involves the complete destruction of both the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and the underlying layers (dermis) as well as the subcutaneous tissue beneath. This type of burn typically appears white, charred, or leathery, and it may not be painful initially because it damages the nerve endings in the skin.

In contrast, other types of burns, such as first-degree burns, affect only the outer layer of skin, causing redness and swelling, while second-degree burns impact both the outer and a portion of the underlying skin while often leading to blister formation. Thus, recognizing the characteristics of a third-degree burn is vital for appropriate medical response and treatment.