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The Best Home Remedy for 2nd Degree Burn

Burns can be caused by any form of heat against the skin, from fire, chemicals, to steam. The condition has differing degrees of severity. According to Home Remedies for Burns, first degree burns happen on the top layers of skin. Second degree burns go into deeper layers of the skin and can cause redness and painful blisters. Third degree burns affect all the layers of skin and possibly muscle and tissue. First degree and some second degree burns can be treated at home, whereas third degree burns should be treated by a medical professional.

  1. Symptoms of Second Degree Burns

    • To tell if you have a second-degree burn, check the affected area for blisters. It will also look wet, red, and blotchy, and the area will be painful. If the affected area is larger than two to three inches in diameter, see a medical professional for treatment, suggests Clinical Reference Systems. Otherwise, you can treat it at home.

    Second-Degree Burns without Open Blisters

    • If your skin is not blistering, you should run the affected area under cool water and then apply a cold compress--a wet towel cooled by tap water is best. Do not use ice or ice-cold water as this can aggravate the skin further, Clinical Reference Systems warns. Do not break open the blisters whilst applying the cold compress as this will make the area prone to infection. When the pain subsides, or lessens significantly, cover the burn with a sterile bandage. According to Clinical Reference Systems, ointments or other topical greases like petroleum jelly should not be used on the burn as these can hold the heat in. If the burn is on the arms or legs, raise them above the heart, in order to reduce swelling.

    Second-Degree Burns with Open Blisters

    • If the blisters are open, do not run water over the affected area as you would if the blisters were closed. Instead, cover the burn with a clean, sterile gauze pad until the open wound starts to heal, Clinical Reference Systems notes. Make sure you keep the area clean and covered. An open wound is prone to infection.

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