Treating Second Degree Burns

Burns are injuries caused to the tissue of the body, due to contact with heat, fire, radiation, sunlight (sunburns), electricity, hot liquids, chemicals, etc. Such injuries that are causes due to heat are known as thermal burns and those that result from hot liquids or steams are termed as scalds. Second degree burns are thicker burns with painful blisters on the skin. These burns are milder than third degree but worse than first degree burns. The skin may have a wet appearance due to fluid loss and these burns usually heal or subside without leaving any scar on the skin. Some secondary burns are larger by nature and may also cause the victim to go into a shock. If the burn is more than 3 inches and has affected areas such as the hands, feet, face, groin or the behind, then it is wise to call for medical help.

2nd Degree Burn Treatment

The first and foremost step that needs to be followed in any kind of burn treatment, is to submerge the burned area in cold water (not ice cold!). Applying ice or ice cold water, may damage the skin tissue and increase the pain. The best treatment for burns on hands and feet, is to keep them under cool running water from a tap. Burns on chest or back should be treated by pouring cold water from a bucket or standing under a shower.

If the burn is a small one then continue the treatment using cold water for 5-10 minutes. However, if you think that the burn has affected a larger area, then do not stop the treatment until medical help arrives.

Put cool, clean and wet clothes on the affected area for few minutes daily and apply antibiotic creams prescribed by the doctor. Do not use clothes to cover the burn, instead use dry non-stick dressing (such as a gauze). Clothes have an adherence to burns and make conditions worse if they have be to pulled off in order to treat the burn.

Infections can be major hindrances in treating second degree burns. If any redness, swelling or pus are noticed in the affected area, then do not hesitate to call for a doctor. Change the dressing everyday and apply antibiotic ointment to it. Do not forget to clean your hands with soap and water; preferably with antiseptic solution. Avoid breaking any blisters that may have been formed on the burned area, as this may increase the pain and delay the recovery period. The blisters should be allowed to break open by themselves, and when they do, dab them with antibiotic ointment.

As the burned area starts healing, you may feel sensation of severe itching. Try not to scratch the area and keep your finger nails short. If you are not able to help it from itching, then use a cotton ball and dip it into an antiseptic solution and gently rub over the area. This will provide relief from itching and also protect the skin from any harm, which may occur from scratching.

To get relief from pain, you can go for any over-the-counter painkillers. However, you should let the chemist know the reason for you buying the medicines. It is not recommended to administer such medicines for children or teenagers. The first aid burn treatment requires alertness and quick action to minimize the damage.

As mentioned earlier, treating second degree burns is advised to be carried out at home only if the burn has not affected a large area (more than 3 inches) and especially the face and other sensitive areas. If electricity or chemicals are the causes of burns, then you should immediately make your way to a hospital or call 911. Electricity may cause other severe injuries to the body that may not be visible on the skin and it is best if the burns due to chemicals are attended by medical professionals.