A second-degree burn can cause serious damage to the skin. 

While not as severe as third-degree burns, they still require attention and care. 

Second-degree burns affect deeper layers of the skin, causing pain, swelling, and blistering. 

Understanding what a second-degree burn is and how to treat it is important for healing and preventing further complications. 

In this article, we’ll explain the nature of second-degree burns, their causes, treatments, healing times, and more.

What is a Second Degree Burn?

A second-degree burn affects both the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and the deeper layer (dermis). 

These burns are more serious than first-degree burns, which affect only the outer skin. 

Second-degree burns typically cause blisters, severe pain, redness, and swelling. 

In some cases, the skin may appear wet or shiny due to the loss of fluids from the affected area.

Second-degree burns are classified into two categories based on the depth of the injury:

Superficial Partial-thickness Burns

These affect the top layer of the dermis and may cause the skin to blister and appear red and swollen. 

Deep Partial-thickness Burns: 

These burn deeper into the dermis, causing more severe damage. 

The skin may appear pale or blotchy and take longer to heal.

What Are The Most Common Causes of a Second Degree Burn?

Second-degree burns can occur due to several common factors. 

The most frequent causes include:

Hot Liquids

Scalding from hot liquids such as boiling water, coffee, or tea is one of the leading causes of second-degree burns. 

Spilling or splashing these liquids onto the skin can cause severe burns and blistering.

Hot Objects

Contact with hot objects, such as irons, stoves, or ovens, can lead to second-degree burns. 

Skin can burn quickly if it comes into direct contact with these surfaces for even a short period.

Sunburn

Excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause second-degree burns. 

Sunburns from prolonged sun exposure can cause the skin to blister and become red, painful, and swollen.

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns occur when an electrical current passes through the body, damaging the skin. 

These burns can be deep and severe, especially when the current is high.

Chemical Burns

Certain chemicals, such as acids or alkalis, can cause second-degree burns if they come into contact with the skin. 

These burns can be dangerous and require immediate medical attention.

Fire or Flames

Second-degree burns can result from direct exposure to flames, often during accidents, fires, or cooking mishaps, such as grease fires. 

The skin may burn if exposed to high heat for too long.

How Is a Second Degree Burn Different to Other Types of Burns?

There are different classifications of burns, based on how severe they are.

A second-degree burn is more severe than a first-degree burn but not as serious as a third-degree burn.

First-Degree Burns

A first-degree burn affects only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). 

It causes redness, mild swelling, and pain. 

Sunburn is a common example of a first-degree burn.

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns affect both the epidermis and the dermis (the deeper layer of skin). 

They cause blisters, severe pain, redness, and swelling. 

These burns often result from contact with hot liquids, flames, or chemicals. 

Third-Degree Burns

A third-degree burn is the most severe. 

It affects all layers of the skin, and can also damage underlying tissues, nerves, and muscles. 

The skin may appear white, charred, or leathery. 

Third-degree burns often do not cause pain initially due to nerve damage. 

How is a Second Degree Burn Treated?

Treating a second-degree burn quickly and properly is crucial for healing and preventing complications. 

The main focus is to reduce pain, prevent infection, and promote healing.

Cool the Burn

Immediately after the injury, cool the burn by running cool (not cold) water over the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes. 

This helps to stop the burn from getting worse and reduces pain. 

If running water is not available, apply a cool, wet compress. 

Avoid using ice, as it can cause further damage to the skin.

Clean the Burn

Gently clean the burn area with mild soap and cool water to remove any dirt or debris. 

Do not scrub the burn, as this could damage the skin further. 

Pat the area dry with a clean towel, being careful not to break any blisters that may have formed.

Apply an Antibiotic Ointment

Once the area is clean, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment such as neosporin to help prevent infection. 

Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing to protect it from dirt and bacteria.

Pain Relief

Take over-the-counter pain relief medication like paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage the pain and reduce swelling. 

Follow the instructions on the packaging for correct dosing.

Avoid Popping Blisters

Blisters that form during healing protect the underlying skin. 

Do not pop or burst them, as this can lead to infection. 

If a blister breaks on its own, clean the area and apply a sterile dressing.

Seek Medical Help

If the burn is large, covers the face, hands, or genitals, or if it seems infected, seek medical help immediately. 

For deep second-degree burns, professional care may be needed.

How Long Does a Second Degree Burn Take to Heal?

The healing time for a second-degree burn depends on the depth of the burn, the location, and the treatment. 

Superficial Partial-thickness Burns

These usually heal within 2-3 weeks without scarring, although some discolouration may remain for a while.

Deep Partial-thickness Burns

These burns take longer to heal, often requiring 3-4 weeks or more. 

Scarring may occur, and the skin may need additional care during healing.

It is important to continue monitoring the burn during the healing process. 

If there are any signs of infection or complications, seek medical help immediately.

Does a Second Degree Burn Scar?

Second-degree burns can scar, especially if they are deep or not treated properly. 

Scarring is more likely if:

• The burn is deep and affects the dermis.

• The burn becomes infected.

• The burn heals slowly due to poor care.

Superficial second-degree burns may not leave permanent scars, but there can be temporary skin discolouration. 

Deeper second-degree burns, on the other hand, are more likely to cause noticeable scars. 

The skin may also be more sensitive in the affected area even after it heals.

To minimise scarring, it’s important to:

• Keep the burn clean and covered to prevent infection.

• Avoid sun exposure, which can make scars more noticeable.

• Apply moisturising creams or ointments to help with skin regeneration.

In some cases, scar treatments like silicone gel sheets or creams may be recommended by healthcare professionals to reduce the appearance of scars.

Conclusion

You should now have more of an understanding of what is a second degree burn. 

A second-degree burn is a painful injury that affects the skin’s epidermis and dermis. 

It is caused by factors like hot liquids, chemicals, fire, and sunburn. 

While not as severe as third-degree burns, second-degree burns require careful treatment and monitoring.

Cooling the burn, protecting the area, and seeking medical help if necessary can help promote healing. 

With proper care, second-degree burns often heal within 2-3 weeks, although deeper burns may take longer. 

Scarring is possible but can be minimised with appropriate treatment.

If you experience a second-degree burn, it is important to treat it as soon as possible and seek professional advice if the injury is extensive or becomes infected. 

With proper care, most second-degree burns will heal without long-term complications.