To treat a second-degree burn, the key steps include:
- Immediately stop the burning process and remove the person from the source of the burn.
- Cool the burn by running cool (not cold) water over the area for 10-15 minutes to reduce pain and swelling.
- Apply a thin layer of an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
- Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick bandage or gauze and change the dressing daily.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage pain.
- Keep the affected area elevated if possible to decrease swelling.
- Avoid bursting any blisters to reduce infection risk.
- Monitor the burn for signs of infection and consult a doctor if there are concerns, or if the burn is large or worsening.
Second-degree burns usually take 1-3 weeks to heal. Follow up with a healthcare professional for deeper burns or if there is uncertainty about treatment needs, including potential prescription medications or tetanus vaccination if required.
