Second degree burns, also referred to as partial-thickness burns, are marked by pain, blistering and superficial destruction of the outer and lower layers of skin, known as the epidermis and dermis. As a result, second degree burns develop blisters and become extremely red and sore, differentiating the severity level from first-degree burns.

Symptoms of first degree burns include:

• Blisters
• Skin that is painful to the touch
• White or discolored burn in an irregular pattern
• Burned area appears to be wet or shiny
• Skin that looks very deep red or deep brown

These symptoms often remain mild but can become intense, warranting a trip to the doctor.

Sunburns: Sunburns are an inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation, typically from sunlight. These ultraviolet rays can penetrate the first layer of skin causing blisters, redness, and irritation. Sunburns are most commonly a result of:

• Staying in sunlight for long periods
• Insufficient sunscreen coverage
• Engaging in outdoor activities whilst under the influence of alcohol
• Lengthy tanning bed usage
• Using photosynthesizing medications

Electric: An electrical burn is a skin reaction caused by an electric current passing through the body. Specific mediums causing a second-degree electric burn can be either a low voltage burn, which is anything under 500 volts, or flash burns, which can affect a large portion of skin. Both children and adults are prone to common facilitators of second degree electric burns, which are:

• Using electrical appliances whilst wet
• Touching exposed power outlets
• Adjusting live prongs of an electrical cord
• Inserting fingers into live electrical sockets

Thermal Burns/Scalds: Thermal burns, also known as scalds, are burns resulting from direct skin contact with substances or objects. These can include heated substances/objects such as hot liquid, steam, fire, and hot objects. Similar to other types of burns, severity of the thermal burn often depends on the amount of exposure someone has to the medium causing the burn. Common causes of second degree thermal burns/scalds include:

• Touching a hot iron
• Touching boiling water
• Touching a hot cooking pot or pan
• Contact with a flame
• Friction between the skin and an opposing surface
• Extended contact with an extremely cold object

Chemical: Chemical Burns, also known as caustic burns, are burns that cause skin irritation and inflammation when either the eyes or skin are exposed to an irritant, such as an acid or a base. In the case of more severe chemical burns, the internal organs can be affected by ingesting or swallowing a chemical. Products that often produce chemical burns if used incorrectly are:

• Cheap pool chlorine
• Bleach
• Ammonia
• Teeth whitening products
• Denture cleaners
• Car battery acid

Second degree burns can be relived with home treatment and are best treated by first rinsing the burn under cool water until the pain stops, which will cool down the burn and prevent the burn from becoming more serious. Once the burn is properly rinsed, it is best to apply an ointment containing Aloe Vera in combination with Lidocaine to ensure that the burn continues to be relieved and pain is minimized. A bandage can be wrapped around the burn once ointment or cream is applied.

Although legitimate, it is best to avoid inadequate home remedy treatments such as honey, lemons, butter, mayonnaise, and ice as these methods often cause infection and increase the severity of the wound. To adequately treat the burn, alleviate the pain, and speed healing, use the combination of aloe, Lidocaine, and vitamin E, all ingredients found in Alocane.

On average, a second-degree burn takes between 2-3 weeks to heal fully without scaring although severity of the blisters can extend this time. Factors that influence the healing time include the location of burn, treatment methods, and severity.

Doctors typically do not need to be contacted in the case of first degree burns. However, you should consult your doctor or seek medical care if:

• The burn appears to be infected with irregularities extending beyond the area of the burn
• The individual burned is a young child or elderly person
• The burn is larger than the palm of the persons hand in an area such as the face, groin, hands, feet, or buttocks

Indications that the burned area may be infected are:

• Green or yellow liquid draining from the burn
• A change in color of the burned area
• An increase in swelling and tenderness
• Redness begins to develop leaving the burned area

When the appropriate steps are taken, second degree burns are easily avoidable. Abide by these tips to ensure that second degree burns are avoided.

Preventing Sunburns:

• Use sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF
• Avoid spending an extended amount of time in the sun or tanning beds
• Avoid the use of alcohol while engaging in outdoor activities
• Use water resistant sunscreen
• Wear sunscreen year-round since 80% of ultraviolet rays can escape cloud coverage
• Avoid using expired sunscreen

Preventing Electric Burns:

• Use or cover exposed electrical sockets
• Avoid using electric powered appliances whilst wet
• Turn off circuit breakers before making repairs to wiring
• Unplug unused appliances
• Place electrical cords outside of the reach of children

Preventing Thermal Burns/Scalds:

• When hot cooking pots are present, keep them on the back burner with the handles turned inward to avoid mishap
• Ensure children have sufficient supervision when around open flames, hot surfaces, and hot objects
• Avoid using extension cords for kitchen appliances
• Avoid bathing, shower, or coming in contact with water that is above 120 degrees Fahrenheit

Preventing Chemical Burns:

• Store chemicals at home in locked cabinets, out of the reach of children
• Use proper attire and eye protection when handling chemicals
• Always follow directions and safety precautions provided by the manufacturer

Third-degree burns, also referred to as full-thickness burns, severely damage all layers of the skin – oftentimes destroying them completely. As a result, third-degree burns are typically marked by leathery-white, blackened, or charred skin and can destroy nerve endings. Third-degree burns always require immediate medical attention and should never be self-treated.

Symptoms of third-degree burns include:

• Charred skin
• Destroyed nerve endings
• Leathery and raised skin texture
• Waxy and white skin discoloration
• Dark brown skin discoloration
• Widespread thickening of skin across the wounded area

Third-degree burns heal slowly and the symptoms may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to subside. Third-degree burns always require immediate treatment by a medical professional.

Electric: An electrical burn is a skin reaction caused by an electric current passing through the body.In the case of third-degree electric burns, a large portion of the body is often affected. Both children and adults are prone to common exposure to third-degree electric burns, which include:

• Using electrical appliances whilst wet
• Touching exposed power outlets
• Adjusting live prongs of an electrical cord
• Inserting fingers into live electrical sockets

Thermal Burns/Scalds: Thermal burns, also known as scalds, are burns resulting from direct skin contact with hot substances or objects, including liquid, steam, fire, and more. Common causes of third-degree thermal burns/scalds include:

• Touching a hot iron
• Making skin contact with boiling water
• Handling a hot cooking pot or pan
• Touching a flame
• Creating friction between the skin and an opposing surface
• Extended contact with an extremely cold object

Chemical: Chemical Burns, also known as caustic burns, are burns that cause skin irritation and inflammation when either the eyes or skin are exposed to an irritant, such as an acid or a base. In the case of more third-degree chemical burns, the internal organs can be affected by ingesting or swallowing a chemical. Products that often produce chemical burns if used incorrectly are:

• Swimming pool chlorine
• Bleach
• Ammonia
• Teeth whitening products
• Denture cleaners
• Car battery acid

Third-degree burns always require immediate treatment from a medical professional. Quickly dial 911 If you or someone you know experiences a third-degree burn.

Specific treatment for a third-degree must be determined by a doctor and will likely be based on:

• Age, health, and medical history
• Cause of the burn
• Location of the burn
• Extent of the burn

Your doctor will also evaluate the severity of the burn, determining the specific treatment, which may include:

• Removal of dead skin and tissue
• Antibiotic ointment and creams
• Pain medications
• Skin grafting
• Spending time in a warm, humid environment
• Cosmetic and functional reconstruction surgery

When the appropriate steps are taken, second degree burns are easily avoidable. Abide by these tips to ensure that second degree burns are avoided.

Preventing Sunburns:

• Use sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF
• Avoid spending an extended amount of time in the sun or tanning beds
• Avoid the use of alcohol while engaging in outdoor activities
• Use water resistant sunscreen
• Wear sunscreen year-round since 80% of ultraviolet rays can escape cloud coverage
• Avoid using expired sunscreen

Preventing Electric Burns:

• Use or cover exposed electrical sockets
• Avoid using electric powered appliances whilst wet
• Turn off circuit breakers before making repairs to wiring
• Unplug unused appliances
• Place electrical cords outside of the reach of children

Preventing Thermal Burns/Scalds:

• When hot cooking pots are present, keep them on the back burner with the handles turned inward to avoid mishap
• Ensure children have sufficient supervision when around open flames, hot surfaces, and hot objects
• Avoid using extension cords for kitchen appliances
• Avoid bathing, shower, or coming in contact with water that is above 120 degrees Fahrenheit

Preventing Chemical Burns:

• Store chemicals at home in locked cabinets, out of the reach of children
• Use proper attire and eye protection when handling chemicals
• Always follow directions and safety precautions provided by the manufacturer

Although some treatments can work across the different types of burns, specific treatment depends exclusively on the overall severity and specific degree of a burn. Minor burns, such as first-degree and some second-degree burns, can typically be self-treated and do not require a medical professional. Treatments such as wound dressing, medication, surgery, and therapy are reserved for severe third and fourth-degree burns.

First degree burns can be treated at home and are best treated by first running room temperature water over the affected area to relieve the pain and swelling. After placing the cool compress, it is best to apply an ointment containing Aloe Vera in combination with an anesthetic like Lidocaine to numb the pain and protect the wound.

Although tempting, it is best to avoid home remedy treatments such as honey, lemons, butter, mayonnaise, and ice. These methods can cause infection or further irritate the wound. To adequately treat the burn, alleviate the pain, and hasten the healing process, use a combination of Aloe Vera (soothing & moisturizing agent), Lidocaine (pain numbing agent), and Vitamin E (wound healing agent). These are all active ingredients found in Alocane products.

Third-degree burns always require immediate treatment from a medical professional and should never be self-treated. Quickly dial 911 If you or someone you know experience a third-degree burn.

There are steps you can take to help the victim of the burn before arriving at a hospital or burn center, which includes:

• If possible, keep the burned area raised above the heart
• Cover the victim with a sheet or light blanket - body temperature can significantly drop due to reduced blood pressure
• Cover the burned area with a loose bandage or cloth

Specific treatment for a third-degree must be determined by a doctor and will likely be based on:

• Age, health, and medical history
• Cause of the burn
• Location of the burn
• Extent of the burn

Your doctor will also evaluate the severity of the burn, determining the specific treatment, which may include:

• Removal of dead skin and tissue
• Antibiotic ointment and creams
• Pain medications
• Skin grafting
• Spending time in a warm, humid environment
• Cosmetic and functional reconstruction surgery

Similar to a third-degree burn, fourth-degree burns are oftentimes life-threatening and require immediate treatment from a medical professional.

However, there are steps you can take to help the victim of the burn before arriving at a hospital or burn center, which includes:

• If possible, keep the burned area raised above the heart
• Cover the victim with a sheet or light blanket - body temperature can significantly drop due to reduced blood pressure
• Cover the burned area with a loose bandage or cloth

Beyond these actions, it is best that the victim does not receive any further treatment until they have been properly examined by a doctor or medical professional.

As with a third-degree burn, specific treatment for a fourth-degree burn must be determined by a doctor and will likely be based on:

• Age, health, and medical history
• Cause of the burn
• Location of the burn
• Extent of the burn

Your doctor will also evaluate the severity of the burn, determining the specific treatment, which may include:

• Removal of dead skin and tissue
• Antibiotic ointment and creams
• Pain medications
• Skin grafting
• Spending time in a warm, humid environment
• Cosmetic and functional reconstruction