How to Identify Second Degree Burns

Second degree burns are very painful because they extend past the top layers of skin and enter the dermis, which is the deeper layer of the skin. These can cause complications, particularly in children and elderly people, so they require medical attention quickly. Getting medical attention requires identifying the burns and distinguishing them from regular burns that just injure the top layer of skin, the epidermis. Here are some signs of second-degree burns that you can look for if you are giving first aid to a burn victim.

Instructions

How to Identify Second Degree Burns

• 1

  Look carefully at the victim's skin. A second degree burn will cause the skin to look red and blistered.

• 2

  Check if the skin looks wet. This is another sign of a second degree burn. It occurs because of the fluid lost when the deeper layers of skin are burned.

• 3

  Check the victim's heart rate, if possible. Often the victim's heart rate will increase quite a bit because of the tremendous pain that comes from a second degree burn.

• 4

  Look for white skin or skin that has irregular discolored pattern. This is another sign of a second degree burn.

• 5

  Monitor the victim for shock. Someone who is in shock will feel weak, may faint, and will have rapid breathing. Get the help of a medical professional immediately if the victim is experiencing shock. This is common in second degree burn victims with large burn sites.