How to clean a 2nd degree burn

Bandage the burn.

Wrap it loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the area, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.

Second-degree burns (also called partial thickness burns) go through the second layer of skin, called the dermis (DUR-mis). These burns cause pain, redness, and blisters and are often painful. The injury may ooze or bleed. They usually heal within 1 to 3 weeks.

Rinse burned skin with cool water until the pain stops. Rinsing will usually stop the pain in 15 to 30 minutes. The cool water lowers the skin temperature and stops the burn from becoming more serious.

Second–degree burn

Second–degree burns affect deeper layers in the skin than first-degree burns and can involve intense pain. They affect the epidermis and dermis, with the burn site often appearing swollen and blistered. The area may also look wet, and the blisters can break open, forming a scab-like tissue.

Tell-Tale Signs of Infected Burn

Any change in color of the burnt area or the skin surrounding it. Swelling with purplish discoloration. Increased thickness of the burn with it extending deep into the skin. Green discharge or pus.

A second–degree burn that covers a large part of the body will require medical attention. Any serious burn, especially on exposed areas of the skin or on large sections of the body, warrants a trip to the doctor. Some common symptoms of second–degree burns include: a wet-looking or seeping wound.

Call your doctor if you experience: Signs of infection, such as oozing from the wound, increased pain, redness and swelling. A burn or blister that’s large or doesn’t heal in two weeks. New, unexplained symptoms.

In general, if the burn covers more skin than the size of the palm of your hand it needs medical attention. Signs of infection. If the pain increases, there is redness or swelling, or liquid or a foul odor is coming from the wound then the burn is likely infected. Worsening over time.

His research showed that, contrary to the conventional wisdom at the time that wounds should be allowed to dry out and form scabs to promote healing, wounds instead heal faster if kept moist. Winter’s work began the evolution of modern wound dressings that promote moist wound healing.

Treatment for small burns

For first-degree or second-degree burns smaller than about two inches in diameter, Bernal recommends the following home-treatment steps: Wash the area daily with mild soap. Apply an antibiotic ointment or dressing to keep the wound moist. Cover with gauze or a Band-Aid to keep the area sealed.

Use an over the counter antibiotic ointment or cream like Neosporin or Bacitracin to prevent infection of the burn. After applying the product, cover the area with a cling film or a sterile dressing or cloth.

You may put a thin layer of ointment, such as petroleum jelly or aloe vera, on the burn. The ointment does not need to have antibiotics in it. Some antibiotic ointments can cause an allergic reaction. Do not use cream, lotion, oil, cortisone, butter, or egg white.