The Do’s and Don’ts of Treating Second-Degree Burns
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According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, between one and two million people seek medical attention for burns in the United States annually. The Medical Center claims a majority of burns occur at home, work or because of an automobile accident.
Second-degree burns are more serious than first-degree burns and usually have a blister. A second-degree burn occurs when the epidermis and dermis layer of skin are burned.
It is recommended that if the second-degree burn is over more than ten percent of your body, you should seek medical treatment immediately.
Second-degree burns generally heal in two or three weeks. Sometimes the burn will take more than three weeks to heal because of the size of the burn. Also, as the burn heals it will itch. DO NOT itch or scratch the burn. Itching and scratching could cause an infection. For a year, the burned area may be uber-sensitive to light. Apply sunscreen to the burn area after the burn heals.
According to various medical sources, symptoms of second-degree burns include:
• Blisters -- they sometimes break open and the area looks wet with a bright pink to cherry red color
• Swollen skin
• Red or splotchy skin color
• Severe pain
• Deep redness
• Burned area may appear wet and shiny
• Skin is painful to the touch
• Burned area may be white or discolored in an irregular pattern
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends the following tips on how to treat a second degree burn:
• Soak the burn in cool water for 15 to 30 minutes
• For small burns, place a damp, cool, clean cloth on the burn for a few minutes every day
• Put on an antibiotic cream or other creams or ointments prescribed by your doctor
• Cover the burn with a dry non-stick dressing (Telfa, etc.) held in place with gauze or tape
• For pain and swelling, take an over-the-counter pain reliever
• Make sure your tetanus vaccine is up-to-date
• Change the dressing daily
• First, wash your hands with soap and water
• Gently wash the burn
• Apply an antibiotic ointment
• If the burn area is small, a dressing may not be needed during the day.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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