This is usually a long-term change to your skin tone that may fade over time. Your skin may appear lighter or darker than your natural skin tone after a burn. Not everyone will get a scar after a burn, and scars are more likely if you have a large, more serious burn. Scarring is possible with second-degree burns. Will my skin scar after a second-degree burn?

Covering electrical outlets and making sure live cords are out of reach of children.Reducing the temperature of the hot water in your home.Testing the temperature of your child’s food or beverages before giving them to them.Keeping hot items out of reach of children.

Wearing protective gear like gloves when working with hot objects or chemicals.

How can second-degree burns be prevented?īurns are preventable. The healing process can take several weeks after a second-degree burn. Sometimes, your scar is visible and other times, the area where your skin closed together looks natural. Your body closes any gaps in your tissue caused by the burn and fills it with collagen, a protein within your skin.

Remodel: The third stage of healing is when your body creates a scar.

Your cells are working together to fix the damage to your skin by getting rid of damaged tissue to make room for the new skin and tissue to grow.

Repair: The second stage is happening below the surface of your skin.

This causes swelling and skin discoloration, as your immune system works to heal your body.

React: When you get a burn, your body will activate your immune system via inflammation.

Your second-degree burn will undergo three stages of healing: What are the stages of healing for a second-degree burn? If the blister isn’t broken, you can let your burn air out or breathe without a bandage. If a blister breaks open, you should keep your burn covered with a bandage to prevent an infection. Make sure your blisters stay closed on your skin. You should keep your burn covered for the first few days after the event as you let your skin heal. Should I let my second-degree burn air out? They may prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection from your body. If you have an infected burn, which is a burn that’s extremely painful, swollen and leaks pus, see a healthcare provider.

Change your bandage at least once daily.Ī common prescription cream to treat second-degree burns is silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene®).

Take over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) as recommended by your provider if you experience pain.

Avoid touching your burn or placing clothing on your skin that can cause friction or rub against your wound.

Cover your burn with a clean bandage or wound dressing like non-stick gauze.

Gently pat the burn dry with a clean towel. Try to keep your burn area under water for at least five minutes, up to 30 minutes.

Use cool water to gently wash your burn.

If you have a small second-degree burn (less than 3 inches in diameter), you can treat it at home: Some common locations you could get a second-degree burn include your: The location of a second-degree burn varies based on the cause. Where are common locations of second-degree burns? You can have symptoms of several types of burns in the same place. You may have second-degree burn symptoms with third-degree symptoms in the same area. A third-degree burn may cause your skin to turn black and dry out. A second-degree burn includes blisters, a darker tone and a shiny, moist appearance. A first-degree burn may only cause skin discoloration. You can identify what type of burn you have by its appearance. How do second-degree burns differ from other types of burns?

Skin discoloration: deep red to dark brown.

Policy What does a second-degree burn look like?įeatures of a second-degree burn include: We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

Acid burn scars