What it is
A second degree burn, sometimes called a partial-thickness burn, damages the outer layer of skin (the epidermis) and part of the layer beneath it (the dermis). These burns often cause redness, swelling, pain and blisters, and the skin may look wet or shiny.
Burns are commonly described by depth, and depth can be hard to judge by eye. A burn that looks mild at first can change over the first day or two, which is one reason a professional evaluation is valuable.
Size and location matter too. Burns on the hands, feet, face, groin, or over joints, and burns that are large or circular around a limb, are generally treated with extra caution by clinicians.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Traditionally, burn care has centered on cooling the area soon after injury, gently cleaning it, and covering it with a dressing that protects the tender skin and helps keep the wound environment appropriate for healing.
Clinicians have commonly used various dressings and topical products, and approaches differ depending on the burn's depth, location, and the person's overall health. Decisions about which products suit a particular burn are made by a licensed clinician after an evaluation.
Follow-up is also a traditional part of care. Providers often check how the burn is healing, watch for signs of infection, and consider pain management and movement of nearby joints. More involved burns may be referred to a dedicated burn center or specialist.
How the right wound care specialist may help
A wound care specialist or burn care provider may help by examining the burn, assessing its depth and size, asking how it happened, and reviewing your health history, including conditions such as diabetes or circulation problems that can affect healing.
A visit generally includes a look at the wound, a discussion of what kind of dressing approach may be appropriate, and guidance on what to watch for between visits. Your provider decides what is right for you; nothing here is a plan for any specific burn.
Helpful questions to ask a licensed provider include: What is the likely depth and cause of my burn? How is it staged or classified? What are my treatment options? What is the expected healing time? Will scarring be a concern? And what will my insurance cover?
The whole-person view
Burns affect the whole person. Pain, disrupted sleep, and worry about appearance or recovery can raise stress, and stress can in turn affect how the body feels and copes during healing. Body, mind and daily stress all influence one another.
Some people find that body-based support such as Somatic Experiences helps them tune into how an injury has affected their sense of safety, while talk therapy through Therapists.plus may help with the emotional side of a frightening accident. These are optional complements to, not replacements for, medical care.
Somatic Experiences: trauma and emotional healing →Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Seek medical care promptly for any sign of infection: spreading redness, red streaking, increasing warmth or pain, pus, foul odor, fever or chills, or a burn that is rapidly worsening.
- Call 911 or go to the ER for large or deep burns, burns with heavy bleeding or exposed bone or tendon, burns from chemicals, electricity or serious accidents, burns to the face or airway, or signs of sepsis such as confusion or a very fast heartbeat.
- Licensed professionals should guide care for any burn; this page cannot tell you what to do for your specific wound.
- If you are in emotional distress after an injury, call or text the 988 Lifeline at any time.
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Frequently asked questions
What is second degree burn wound care?
Second degree burn wound care is the process of cleaning, protecting, and monitoring a burn that has damaged the top layer of skin and part of the layer beneath it. The specific approach depends on the burn's size, depth, and location. A licensed clinician determines what is appropriate after an evaluation.
How do I know if a burn is second degree?
Second degree burns often appear red, swollen, painful and blistered, with skin that looks moist or shiny. However, burn depth can be hard to judge and may change over the first day or two. A healthcare provider can evaluate the burn and classify it properly.
When should I see a doctor for a second degree burn?
Seek medical care promptly if you see spreading redness, red streaking, increasing warmth or pain, pus, foul odor, fever or chills. It is also wise to have a professional look at burns that are large or on the hands, feet, face, groin or joints. For deep or severe burns, call 911 or go to the ER.
How long does a second degree burn take to heal?
Healing time varies from person to person and depends on the burn's depth, size, location, and overall health. A provider who has examined the burn is the best source for an expected timeline. It is worth asking them directly at your visit.
Should I pop a blister from a second degree burn?
This is a question to ask a licensed provider rather than decide on your own, since blisters can play a role in protecting the area underneath. A clinician can examine the burn and explain how they would handle blisters in your situation.
Can a wound care specialist help with a second degree burn?
A wound care specialist may help by evaluating the burn, discussing dressing options, watching for complications, and following healing over time. Some burns may be referred to a burn center. Outcomes vary, and no result can be guaranteed.
Educational resource. WoundKare shares general information and connects people with independent wound care specialists. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.