Second Degree Burn Treatment

Burn is damage caused to tissues of the body due to the tissue being exposed to high amount of heat. Damage to skin due to heat is referred to as a skin burn. Skin burns can be classified into three different categories - first degree, second degree and third degree burns in the increasing order of severity. There is skin burn treatment for each kind. However, before any course of treatment for burns can be resorted to, it is important to ascertain the type of skin burn first. Before concentrating on second degree burn treatment, it is crucial that we know to identify burns of the second degree.

Identifying Second Degree Burns

The most common causes of second degree burns are flames, chemicals, hot liquids or severe sunburns. These burns damage the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) and the dermis (inner layer of the skin) and are painful. These burns usually aren't larger than 3 inches. Formation of blisters that seem to be filled with clear or reddish fluid indicates second degree burn. Even if the blisters are tiny, it is a second degree burn. The skin usually turns reddish and you will be able to see white splotches in it. Swelling and severe pain also indicate a second degree burn.

Minor second degree burns heal without leaving any scar. However, more severe second degree burns can make an individual go into shock. The shock is caused due to loss of excess fluids from body which results in such steep drop in blood pressure that the brain and other major organs of the body do not get enough blood. Shock may be manifested as fainting, increase in the rate of pulse and breathing, feeling of weakness, nausea and vomiting. In some case the lips and fingernails turn blue and the skin becomes pale, moist and cold. The person needs immediate medical attention.

Second Degree Burn Treatment

The aim of 2nd degree burn treatment is to reduce pain and chances of infection. Minor burn treatment can be easily accomplished at home with simple methods of burn care. Do not forget to wash your hands before cleaning a burn. Remove any piece of cloth or jewelry from the burned area. Place the burnt area under a tap of cold running water or apply cold water compress. If possible, keep the affected part raised (in case of arms or legs) to reduce swelling. It is necessary to keep the burned arm or leg raised, for the first two days. Wash smaller burns with antiseptic cleanser. You may apply an antibiotic ointment. Cover the burn with a dry non-stick dressing such as a gauze. Leave the bandage on for 24 hours. If the bandage is stuck to the wound, soak it in warm water. This facilitates easy removal of bandage. Such wounds need to be dressed daily. Bandage is essential if the blisters are broken open. Be alert about signs of infection like swelling, pus, increasing pain or redness. Medicines like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin can be taken to relieve pain from burn. However, do not give aspirin to those below the age of 18 as aspirin increases the risk of children suffering from a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. You should move the burned leg or arm as usual, at regular intervals. Otherwise, the damaged skin may heal too tightly, and can lead to restricted movement of the affected arm or leg.

Serious mistakes to avoid while treating burns of the second degree:

• Do not put ice or ice water in the burnt area as this may further increase damage to the skin
• Do not use fluffy cotton or regular adhesive bandage or other material that may get stuck into the wound.
• If there are blisters do not burst them as the burnt skin may develop infection.
• Do not put cold cream, oil, butter, egg white, grease or petroleum jelly on the burn as these substances trap the heat in and damage the tissues lying deeper.
• In case the person is in a state of shock, do not give him any liquid to drink. Otherwise, small amounts of water or juice can be given to a person suffering from second degree burns to make up for the loss of fluids from the body.

It is important to remember the following while treating second degree burns with open blisters:

• Do not remove bits of clothing sticking to the burnt area.
• Do not run water over the injured area, as it raises the risk of shock.

Treatment for Chemical Burns

In case of chemical burn treatment any cloth around the affected area should be removed first. Then the burnt area should be washed with water for 20 to 30 minutes so that the chemical is thoroughly removed form the skin. In case, water is not available and the burn is due to dry chemicals, dust the chemical off the skin using a clean cloth. It is important to get rid of any trace of chemical from skin. Hence, be sure to use enough of water to wash off the chemical, as certain chemicals get activated when they come in contact with water. Then as in other cases loosely cover the burnt area with a clean, non sticky dressing. Different chemicals have different effects. Hence, it always helps to read the label of the chemical bottle for additional information.

While first degree burns affect the epidermis, second degree burns affect the epidermis and dermis. Second degree burn treatment depends upon the severity of the damage caused to the tissue. Minor burns can be treated at home. There are some easy home remedies for burns. However, in case the burn appears to be acute and the victim seems to be in immense pain, medical help should be sought without delay.