Identification

• A burn is considered second degree when the top layer of skin is burned through and damage is done to the second layer. This type of burn can be identified by its blisters and splotchy red skin. These can cause a lot of pain, swelling and damage to sweat glands and hair follicles.
  
  

Treatment

• The ultimate purpose of treating a second degree burn is to reduce pain and swelling while avoiding infection. Burns that are larger than three inches require the care of a medical professional, along with any burns located on hands, feet, buttocks area, groin or a major joint, such as knees or elbows. Second degree burns smaller than three inches can be treated as a minor burn at home. Keep it cool using cold water. The burn should be covered with loose sterile gauze in order to prevent it from becoming infected and over-the-counter pain medication should be taken to ease discomfort. Although a minor second degree burn is likely to heal on its own at home, it is important to watch for signs of infection. This can be identified by a fever, oozing from the wound, swelling or an increase in pain or redness. If this occurs, medical treatment should be requested from a professional and an antibiotic might be necessary.
  
  

Precautions

• It is important never to use ice on a second degree burn because it can prevent the wound from healing properly. Sterile gauze should be used verses adhesive bandages so damage will not be done to surrounding skin. Creams, butters, and ointments should be avoided because they do not help and can increase the risk of infection. Blisters should not be popped and should be allowed to heal on their own. It is important not to submerge a person with a burn into cold water because that can induce shock.
  
  Serious burns can cause a lack of fluid which prevents proper blood flow to major organs. The result of this is a person going into shock. This can be recognized by a pale appearance, blue lips and clammy skin. If a person does appear to be going into shock it is necessary to seek medical care immediately since this can be a life threatening situation.