Second-degree burns are mild or moderate kinds of burns that can cause swelling, blistering, skin discoloration, and pain. These types of burns can even be treated at home if the condition is minor. Second-degree burns affect the epidermis and dermis, where the tissue gets damaged by a chemical, heat, or light source. These are less severe than third-degree burns but if it is too deep, they will lead to scarring.

What does a second-degree burn look like?
Here are some symptoms of second-degree burns to be watchful about.

• Blisters
• Skin becomes red to dark brown
• Swelling
• Pain
• Moist and shiny skin
• Layers of skin peeling away
• A wet-looking wound
• A burn that has an irregular pattern
• Too much pain or sensitivity in the skin

Some people might even develop a fever or fall ill due to an infection followed by a burn. Sometimes, the symptoms of a second-degree burn might need medical care, so one must consult a doctor for proper treatment.

Causes of a second-degree burn
A second-degree burn is generally caused by the following.

• Fire flames
• Skin coming in contact with a hot object
• Sunburn
• Electric current
• Chemicals
• Boiling water or steam

Common areas that can be affected by second-degree burns
Depending upon the cause, the location of a second-degree burn can vary. Generally, these areas that are usually uncovered are can be easily affected:

• Hands
• Face
• Arms or legs
• Mouth

What happens to the affected skin?
In case of a second-degree burn, the source destroys the first and second layers of the skin. Such cell destruction can trigger one’s immune system to get activated and prevent further damage. The skin might get discolored and swollen, which means that one’s body is working properly to heal the injury. Once the immune system is prepared to cure the burn, dead skin cells leave the body and create flakes at the site of the burn.

Managing for second-degree burns
If one has sustained a second-degree burn, they should seek medical care. If one receives the right first aid, they can prevent some serious complications. Here are some steps to manage a second-degree burn.

• Don’t apply butter or any other home remedy immediately after the burn.
• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
• Don’t pinch or break any open blisters.
• Cover the burn using a loose dressing or gauze. Don’t wrap the cover too tightly because it can cut off circulation.
• Cool down the burn by placing it under cold running water. Do not apply ice to the burn.
• Take off any ornament or piece of clothing that covers the burn. Any dress, if hot, can continue to burn the skin and intensify its severity.

A doctor might suggest a medical treatment depending upon the severity and location of the burn. They might clean the affected area or prescribe treatment options, especially if the affected person has an infection or is at a high risk of developing one.

Healing time
The recovery period or healing time for second-degree burns can take somewhere between a few days to several weeks. It usually gets cured in about three weeks if the wound is kept clean and protected. But if the burn is too deep, it can take longer than three weeks to heal. If one develops any complications, recovery time might be longer. Wound cleaning and changing the dressing might become painful. To speed up the healing time, one should care for their wound by doing the following.

• Take treatment options suggested by the doctor.
• Moisturize the burn regularly.
• Apply prescribed ointments to keep the wound clean.
• Don’t rub, scratch, or pick the burn.
• Get the dressing changed every one or two times a day according to the severity of the burn.
• Clean the wound daily to remove dead skin or previously applied ointment.

Based on the following criteria, the physician might suggest a specific treatment.

• The extent of the burn
• Location of the burn
• The patient’s age, medical history, and overall health
• Cause of the burn
• The patient’s tolerance for specific procedures or therapies

Second-degree burns are the most common kinds of burns that cause discomfort on one’s skin. But the good part is that these are preventable and can be cured at home if the condition is not severe. Make sure to follow all the home remedies and take proper care of the wounds. But if the burn covers a large area of the skin, one should immediately visit a healthcare practitioner.