How to Treat a Second Degree Burn

The course of treatment that is needed to effectively treat a burn depends largely on how serious that burn is. With second degree burns, the biggest factors that play into choosing treatment are the size of the burn and its location. If the burn is any larger than about quarter-sized, involves excruciating pain or is located in a particularly sensitive or vital region of the body, then it should be treated like a third degree burn. Otherwise, it can be treated like a first degree burn.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine the severity of the burn. If it's large, extremely painful or near any vital areas, it should be treated as serious.

• 2

  Calm the injured person. In order to keep the affected individual from harming his or herself further, try to keep them calm and relaxed.

• 3

  Run cool water over the area of the burn for one to two minutes to stop the burning process and help cleanse the area.

• 4

  Cover the site of the second degree burn with a sanitary, cool, damp cloth or towel.

• 5

  Seek immediate medical attention at the nearest medical facility.

Treating a Non-Serious Second Degree Burn

• 6

  Determine the severity of the burn. If it seems serious, treat it as such. Otherwise, treat it as a non-serious second degree burn.

• 7

  Run cool water over the site of the burn for a couple of minutes. This will stop the burning process, cool the affected area and help to mitigate the pain inflicted by the burn.

• 8

  Dry the burnt skin gently with a sanitary towel.

• 9

  Apply medicated first-aid spray to the affected area to help sanitize the burn site and to further limit the pain of the affected individual.

• 10

  Reapply the medicated first-aid spray to the site of the second degree burn a few times a day until the symptoms begin to fade and are almost unnoticeable.

• 11

  Keep on the lookout for infection, seeking medical treatment immediately if there's any suspicion that an infection might be starting.