What stage of wound healing does a second-degree burn primarily fall under?

A second-degree burn primarily falls under the proliferation phase of wound healing. This stage occurs after the initial inflammatory response and is characterized by the formation of new tissue to replace the damaged skin layers. In the case of a second-degree burn, which affects both the epidermis and part of the dermis, the body works to heal deeper layers of the skin.

During the proliferation phase, several key processes take place: fibroblasts proliferate and synthesize collagen, which provides structural support, and angiogenesis occurs, where new blood vessels form to supply nutrients essential for healing. Also, epithelial cells migrate to cover the wound, significantly contributing to the regeneration of the skin.

Understanding that second-degree burns do not typically remain in the inflammatory phase for an extended period is crucial, as this phase mainly deals with initial responses to injury, such as pain, swelling, and redness. The maturation phase follows the proliferation phase, where the repaired tissue gains strength and flexibility, and the healing processes finalize. However, since the question specifically addresses the stage at which second-degree burns mainly fall, the proliferation phase accurately encapsulates the significant healing activities taking place at this time.