Which of the following describes the third degree burn?

The description of a third degree burn as a full thickness burn is accurate because it denotes a level of severity where all layers of the skin (epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue) are completely destroyed. In third degree burns, the damaged skin often appears white, charred, or leathery, indicating that the underlying tissues may have been severely affected or destroyed. Patients with third degree burns typically do not feel pain in the affected area due to the destruction of nerve endings, which is a distinguishing characteristic.

In contrast, other options provide descriptions of different types of burns. For instance, red skin typically characterizes first degree burns, where only the epidermis is affected. Blistering commonly occurs with second degree burns, which involve both the epidermis and part of the dermis. Charring of tissue indicates a very severe burn, but it usually aligns with third degree burns as well, not directly describing the depth of the burn itself like the term "full thickness" does. The terminology "full thickness" specifically indicates the complete loss of skin layers, making it the best representation of a third degree burn.