Second-Degree Burn

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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A second-degree burn is also called a partial-thickness burn. A second-degree burn occurs when the first layer and some of the second layer of skin are burned. A superficial second-degree burn usually heals within 2 to 3 weeks with some scarring. A deep second-degree burn can take longer to heal. A second-degree burn can also get worse after a few days and become a third-degree burn.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent

is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

A Foley catheter

is a tube put into your bladder to drain urine into a bag. Keep the bag below your waist. This will prevent urine from flowing back into your bladder and causing an infection or other problems. Also, keep the tube free of kinks so the urine will drain properly. Do not pull on the catheter. This can cause pain and bleeding, and may cause the catheter to come out.

Your intake and output

may be measured. Healthcare providers will keep track of the amount of liquid you are getting. They also may need to know how much you are urinating. Ask healthcare providers if they need to measure or collect your urine.

Medicines:

• Pain medicine may be given. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you ask for more medicine.
• Ointments prevent infection and help your burn heal. The ointment may be placed on your skin or may be part of your bandage.
• Itching medicine may help decrease irritation and itching. This medicine may be given as a pill, shot, or cream, or through your IV.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Tests:

• Blood and urine tests may show infection or check for damage to your muscles, heart, and other organs.
• A laser scanner is a procedure that uses a small probe to check the blood flow in your skin.
• An EKG records your heart rhythm and how fast your heart beats. It is used to check for heart damage.
• A chest x-ray may show how well your lungs and heart are working.

Treatment:

• You may need extra fluids through an IV to help prevent dehydration.
• Surgery may remove damaged tissue, replace or cover lost skin, or relieve pressure and improve blood flow. Surgery can help prevent infection, decrease inflammation, and improve healing. Surgery can also improve the appearance of your skin and reduce scarring.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• silver sulfadiazine
• Silvadene
• Xylocaine Jelly
• Bactine
• AneCream

View more treatment options

Physical therapy:

Your muscles and joints may not work well after a second-degree burn. A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.

RISKS:

You may become dehydrated. You have a higher risk for infection. You may have scarring after the burn heals. Scarring in some places, such as over joints, can cause loss of motion. Without treatment, your burn may become infected, and you may have increased pain. An infected burn will take longer to heal.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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