Second-degree burns involve all of the epidermis and part of the underlying dermis., Fowler A, Clitherow J. Rational treatment of first-degree burns in German. To treat a second degree burn, put the burn under cold running water for 15 to 30 minutes to cool it down. Once the burn is cool, apply lotion or aloe vera to the affected area to keep it moist and help it heal faster. Then, apply a loose bandage over the area, making sure to wrap it loosely so you don't break any blisters.
Topic Overview
- Mar 04, 2021 A deep second-degree burn can take longer to heal. A second-degree burn can also get worse after a few days and become a third-degree burn. What causes a second-degree burn? Direct exposure to heat or flame is the most common cause of second-degree burn. This includes contact with hot objects or flames such as an iron, a skillet, tar.
- Second-degree burns, also called partial-thickness burns, compromise the outermost layer of skin and extend to the middle skin layer below.The degree of a burn is a classification of how severe it is based on how many layers deep it goes through the epidermis, dermis, and fatty tissues of the subcutaneous (under the skin) layer.
- A deep second-degree burn can take longer to heal. A second-degree burn can also get worse after a few days and become a third-degree burn. What causes a second-degree burn? Direct exposure to heat or flame is the most common cause of second-degree burn. This includes contact with hot objects or flames such as an iron, a skillet, tar.
For many second-degree burns, home treatment is all that is needed for healing and to prevent other problems.
Rinse the burn
- Rinse burned skin with cool water until the pain stops. Rinsing will usually stop the pain in 15 to 30 minutes. The cool water lowers the skin temperature and stops the burn from becoming more serious. You may:
- Place arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, or toes in a basin of cool water.
- Apply cool compresses to burns on the face or body.
- Do not use ice or ice water, which can cause tissue damage.
- Take off any jewelry, rings, or clothing that could be in the way or that would become too tight if the skin swells.
Clean the burn
- Wash your hands before cleaning a burn. Do not touch the burn with your hands or anything dirty, because open blisters can easily be infected.
- Do not break the blisters. .
- Gently wash the burn area with clean water. Some of the burned skin might come off with washing. Pat the area dry with a clean cloth or gauze.
- Do not put sprays or butter on burns, because this traps the heat inside the burn.
Bandaging the burn
- If the burned skin or blisters have not broken open, a bandage may not be needed. If the burned skin or unbroken blisters are likely to become dirty or be irritated by clothing, apply a bandage.
- If the burned skin or blisters have broken open, a bandage is needed. To further help prevent infection, apply a clean bandage whenever your bandage gets wet or soiled. If a bandage is stuck to a burn, soak it in warm water to make the bandage easier to remove. If available, use a nonstick dressing. There are many bandage products available. Be sure to read the product label for correct use.
- Wrap the burn loosely to avoid putting pressure on the burned skin.
- Do not tape a bandage so that it circles a hand, arm, or leg. This can cause swelling.
There are many nonprescription burn dressings available. Be sure to follow the instructions included in the package.
If the burn is on a leg or an arm, keep the limb raised as much as possible for the first 24 to 48 hours to decrease swelling. Move a burned leg or arm normally to keep the burned skin from healing too tightly, which can limit movement.
Credits
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
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Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on March 4, 2021.
- Care Notes
- Overview
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
What is a second-degree burn?
A second-degree burn is also called a partial-thickness burn. A second-degree burn occurs when the first layer and some of the second layer of skin are burned. A superficial second-degree burn usually heals within 2 to 3 weeks with some scarring. A deep second-degree burn can take longer to heal. A second-degree burn can also get worse after a few days and become a third-degree burn.
What causes a second-degree burn?
2nd Degree Burn Treatment Aafp
Direct exposure to heat or flame is the most common cause of second-degree burn. This includes contact with hot objects or flames such as an iron, a skillet, tar, cigarettes, or fireworks. The following may also cause a second-degree burn:
- Harsh chemicals, such as cleaning products, car battery acid, gasoline, or cement
- Damaged electrical cords or electrical outlets
- Hot water or steam
- Exposure to harmful rays from the sun or from tanning beds
What are the signs and symptoms of a second-degree burn?
- A superficial second-degree burn includes the first layer and some of the second layer. The deeper layers, sweat glands, and oil glands are not damaged. The skin is red, moist, very painful to the touch, and has blisters. Areas of redness turn white when pressure is applied. The area returns to red quickly when the pressure is removed.
- A deep second-degree burn includes damage in the middle layer, and in the sweat glands and oil glands. The skin is mixed red or waxy white, and wet or moist. Some areas of redness may turn white when pressure is applied. The area may return to red slowly or not all when the pressure is removed.
How is a second-degree burn diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask how you were burned. Tell him or her about your symptoms. He or she will examine your burn and determine how severe it is. Laser scanners may be used to check the blood flow in your skin.
How is a second-degree burn treated?
- Medicines may be used to decrease pain, prevent infection, or help your burn heal. They may be given as a pill or as an ointment applied to your skin.
- Surgery may remove damaged tissue, replace or cover lost skin, or relieve pressure and improve blood flow. Surgery can help prevent infection, decrease inflammation, and improve healing. Surgery can also improve the appearance of your skin and reduce scarring.
How do I care for the burn?
- Wash your hands with soap and water. Dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel.
- Remove old bandages. You may need to soak the bandage in water before you remove it so it will not stick to your wound.
- Gently clean the burned area daily with mild soap and water. Pat the area dry. Look for any swelling or redness around the burn. Do not break closed blisters. You may cause a skin infection.
- Apply cream or ointment to the burn with a cotton swab. Place a nonstick bandage over your burn.
- Wrap a layer of gauze around the bandage to hold it in place. The wrap should be snug but not tight. It is too tight if you feel tingling or lose feeling in that area.
- Apply gentle pressure for a few minutes if bleeding occurs.
- Elevate your burned arm or leg above the level of your heart as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your burned arm or leg on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably.
What can I do to care for myself?
- Drink liquids as directed. You may need to drink extra liquid to help prevent dehydration. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
- Go to physical therapy, if directed. Your muscles and joints may not work well after a second-degree burn. A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.
Why may I need physical therapy?
Your muscles and joints may not work well after a second-degree burn. A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.
How can I prevent second-degree burns?
- Do not leave cups, mugs, or bowls containing hot liquids at the edge of a table. Keep pot handles turned away from the stove front.
- Do not leave a lit cigarette. Make sure it is no longer lit. Then dispose of it safely.
- Store dangerous items out of the reach of children. Store cigarette lighters, matches, and chemicals where children cannot reach them. Use child safety latches on the door of the safe storage area.
- Keep your water heater setting to low or medium (90°F to 120°F, or 32°C to 48°C).
- Wear sunscreen that has a sun protectant factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. The sunscreen should also have ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) protection. Follow the directions on the label when you use sunscreen. Put on more sunscreen if you are in the sun for more than an hour. Reapply sunscreen often if you go swimming or are sweating.
When should I seek immediate care?
- You have a fast heartbeat or breathing.
- You are not urinating.
When should I call my doctor?
- You have a fever.
- You have increased redness, numbness, or swelling in the burn area.
- Your wound or bandage is leaking pus and has a bad smell.
- Your pain does not get better, or gets worse, even after you take pain medicine.
- You have a dry mouth or eyes.
- You are overly thirsty or tired.
- You have dark yellow urine or urinate less than usual.
- You have a headache or feel dizzy.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
2nd Degree Burn Treatment Steps
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