Second-degree burns affect both the epidermis and part of the dermis. Aside from blisters, pain and swelling, the burnt skin will look wet, shiny, and red or discolored in an irregular pattern. Burns of this degree are usually caused by hot liquids or gases, and direct contact to flames or a hot object. Burns at this level that does not cover more than ten percent of the skin's surface can usually be treated at home, although the specific treatment to be used should be determined by a physician.
Immediate treatment is essential to the prevention of other problems associated with burns as well as to shorten healing time. To end the pain and prevent the burn from becoming more severe, rinse the affected area with cool water for fifteen to thirty minutes or until the pain subsides. You may also submerge affected limbs in a basin of cool water, or cover them with cool compresses.
Keep in mind that you should not rinse or dip the burned area in ice or ice water as these can damage the skin more. Swelling is to be expected for second-degree burns, so it is imperative that you remove any piece of jewelry or garment which can tighten as the affected area swells. If the burned area is on a limb, you should keep it at a level higher than your heart to prevent swelling. Also remember to continue moving the affected limb normally to keep contractures at bay.
You have to bear in mind that sprays and butter are a no-no for burned skin as these can prevent the heat from escaping. Doctors usually prescribe topical creams to keep infection at bay and to aid in healing. Silver sulfadiazine is one of the most common anti-bacterial creams used by doctors in treating second degree burns. Silver sulfadiazine is safe to use in general when applied as instructed. Typically, it is put on only once or twice daily.
Needless to say, like with other drugs, the probability of it interacting with other medicines and therapies and side effects is not totally removed. This underscores the importance of being evaluated by a doctor prior to starting any treatment. The cream should be applied only after the affected area has been cleansed with soapy water.
It would be counterintuitive to touch the burn with bare hands or anything dirty as this will only infect the blisters which have already broken open. To deter infection, you should apply the cream with gloved hands, discarding the gloves after each use. Bandages may be necessary if the burned skin is in frequent contact with clothing, or there is a high chance of it getting dirtied and infected.
Immediate treatment is essential to the prevention of other problems associated with burns as well as to shorten healing time. To end the pain and prevent the burn from becoming more severe, rinse the affected area with cool water for fifteen to thirty minutes or until the pain subsides. You may also submerge affected limbs in a basin of cool water, or cover them with cool compresses.
Keep in mind that you should not rinse or dip the burned area in ice or ice water as these can damage the skin more. Swelling is to be expected for second-degree burns, so it is imperative that you remove any piece of jewelry or garment which can tighten as the affected area swells. If the burned area is on a limb, you should keep it at a level higher than your heart to prevent swelling. Also remember to continue moving the affected limb normally to keep contractures at bay.
You have to bear in mind that sprays and butter are a no-no for burned skin as these can prevent the heat from escaping. Doctors usually prescribe topical creams to keep infection at bay and to aid in healing. Silver sulfadiazine is one of the most common anti-bacterial creams used by doctors in treating second degree burns. Silver sulfadiazine is safe to use in general when applied as instructed. Typically, it is put on only once or twice daily.
Needless to say, like with other drugs, the probability of it interacting with other medicines and therapies and side effects is not totally removed. This underscores the importance of being evaluated by a doctor prior to starting any treatment. The cream should be applied only after the affected area has been cleansed with soapy water.
It would be counterintuitive to touch the burn with bare hands or anything dirty as this will only infect the blisters which have already broken open. To deter infection, you should apply the cream with gloved hands, discarding the gloves after each use. Bandages may be necessary if the burned skin is in frequent contact with clothing, or there is a high chance of it getting dirtied and infected.
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Topical creams may be given to protect the burned area from getting infected and to hasten the healing process. Silver sulfadiazine is one of the most common anti-bacterial creams used by doctors in treating second degree burns. Follow this link to find out more about silver sulfadiazine and other burn management tips.
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