Second-degree burns damage both the epidermis and dermis layers of skin, causing blistering, swelling, and pain. They can be caused by heat, chemicals, or sunburn and may require medical attention. Large burns can cause shock, and severe cases may require skin grafting. Treatment aims to relieve pain and prevent infection.
A second-degree burn is classified as a burn in which both the outer layer of skin, known as the epidermis, and the layer underneath, called the dermis, are damaged. Typically a painful condition, this level of burn causes blistering and swelling and turns the affected area a deep red. Depending on the severity of the burn or how large an area of skin is affected, a burn may require immediate medical attention and can take weeks to heal. A skin graft may be required, and burns can cause permanent disfigurements such as scarring.
In addition to being red and blistered, the burn may also appear white. Also, the affected area may have a moist or blotchy appearance due to fluid loss. Second-degree burns are likely to be extremely painful and sensitive to the touch.
A person can experience second-degree burns on their body for many reasons, with exposure to the heat and flames of a fire being one of the most common. These burns can also be the result of touching an extremely hot surface, such as an iron or light bulb. Another way is through burns, which can occur from coming into contact with hot water, grease, chemicals or gasoline. If a person spends a lot of time in the sun without sunscreen, a sunburn can develop into a second-degree burn.
It is possible for a person who suffers a second-degree burn to go into shock, particularly if the burn occurs over a large part of their body. The rapid loss of fluid lowers blood pressure, resulting in decreased blood flow to the brain. This in turn can lead to fainting, nausea and rapid breathing.
If a person suffers from these burns on more than 10% of their body, they will need immediate medical attention. Treatment can vary depending on the person’s age, health, and cause of the burn, but aims to help the victim with pain and avoid infection. In severe cases, a person may be given topical or systemic antibiotics and the need to change bandages every day.
Small areas of skin affected by second-degree burns can usually be treated with a gauze bandage. Covering the affected area not only helps with the pain but protects against further blisters and infection. Typically, a person will need to take an over-the-counter type of pain reliever, such as aspirin, for pain relief.
In cases where the second-degree burn covers only a small area, the skin will usually heal within a month. In severe cases, a person will need a skin graft, which generally involves replacing burned skin with skin from an unburned part of the body. Successful skin grafting depends on the severity of the burn and avoiding infection.
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