How to Treat a Second–Degree Burn
Verify that your burns are second-degree burns., Rinse the burned area of your skin under cool water until you no longer feel pain., Remove any jewelry and clothing from the burned area., Wash your hands thoroughly using mild soap and water., Gently...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Verify that your burns are second-degree burns.
Third-degree burns, which are far more serious, require immediate emergency medical treatment.
The symptoms of second-degree burns are as follows:
Deep redness Swollen skin Blisters that may break open and look wet and shiny Skin that is painful to the touch Red, splotchy skin color Burned area is white or discolored in an irregular pattern Severe pain -
Step 2: Rinse the burned area of your skin under cool water until you no longer feel pain.
Cool water helps lower the temperature of your skin and prevents the burn from becoming more serious.
Alternately, you can place the burned area of your skin in a tub or basin of cool water, or apply cool compresses to the affected area.
Avoid using ice or freezing water to treat your burn, since this can lead to tissue damage. , This will prevent jewelry or clothing from becoming too tight and difficult to remove if the burned area becomes swollen., This helps prevent bacteria from infecting your burn, especially if open blisters have formed. , Keep in mind that some pieces of burned skin may come off at the time you wash your skin. , This helps reduce pain and prevents the burned area from becoming irritated further. , Burned skin or closed blisters may not require bandaging; however, broken blisters or burned skin at risk for becoming dirty or irritated by clothing may require a bandage. , Purchase creams and ointments for burns from your local drugstore, or apply aloe vera, honey, or a mixture of turmeric powder and all-natural yogurt to the burn., This prevents extra pressure from being applied to the burned area.
Avoid taping bandages in a circle around a limb, as this can increase swelling. , This will help reduce and stop bleeding., This lowers your risk for bacterial infection.
If the bandage becomes stuck to your burn, soak the affected area in warm water so the bandage can be more easily removed. , Your doctor can recommend over-the-counter medicines or prescription medications that can help decrease pain and accelerate the healing of your burn. , Surgery can help prevent infection, decrease inflammation, and remove damaged tissue.
Surgery can also replace lost skin, improve blood flow to the burned area, and reduce scarring. -
Step 3: Remove any jewelry and clothing from the burned area.
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Step 4: Wash your hands thoroughly using mild soap and water.
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Step 5: Gently use your hands or a soft cloth to clean the burn using mild soap and water.
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Step 6: Pat the burned area dry using a piece of gauze or soft cloth.
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Step 7: Inspect your burn to determine whether a bandage is needed.
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Step 8: Apply cream
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Step 9: ointment
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Step 10: or a natural product to your burn that promotes healing.
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Step 11: Wrap your burn loosely using gauze or a bandage.
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Step 12: Apply gentle pressure to the wound if bleeding occurs.
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Step 13: Apply a new
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Step 14: clean bandage when the bandage becomes wet or soiled for any reason.
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Step 15: Consult with your healthcare provider to receive professional treatment and product recommendations.
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Step 16: Ask your healthcare provider about the possibility of undergoing surgery.
Detailed Guide
Third-degree burns, which are far more serious, require immediate emergency medical treatment.
The symptoms of second-degree burns are as follows:
Deep redness Swollen skin Blisters that may break open and look wet and shiny Skin that is painful to the touch Red, splotchy skin color Burned area is white or discolored in an irregular pattern Severe pain
Cool water helps lower the temperature of your skin and prevents the burn from becoming more serious.
Alternately, you can place the burned area of your skin in a tub or basin of cool water, or apply cool compresses to the affected area.
Avoid using ice or freezing water to treat your burn, since this can lead to tissue damage. , This will prevent jewelry or clothing from becoming too tight and difficult to remove if the burned area becomes swollen., This helps prevent bacteria from infecting your burn, especially if open blisters have formed. , Keep in mind that some pieces of burned skin may come off at the time you wash your skin. , This helps reduce pain and prevents the burned area from becoming irritated further. , Burned skin or closed blisters may not require bandaging; however, broken blisters or burned skin at risk for becoming dirty or irritated by clothing may require a bandage. , Purchase creams and ointments for burns from your local drugstore, or apply aloe vera, honey, or a mixture of turmeric powder and all-natural yogurt to the burn., This prevents extra pressure from being applied to the burned area.
Avoid taping bandages in a circle around a limb, as this can increase swelling. , This will help reduce and stop bleeding., This lowers your risk for bacterial infection.
If the bandage becomes stuck to your burn, soak the affected area in warm water so the bandage can be more easily removed. , Your doctor can recommend over-the-counter medicines or prescription medications that can help decrease pain and accelerate the healing of your burn. , Surgery can help prevent infection, decrease inflammation, and remove damaged tissue.
Surgery can also replace lost skin, improve blood flow to the burned area, and reduce scarring.
About the Author
Grace Jenkins
Creates helpful guides on home improvement to inspire and educate readers.
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