First vs. Second Degree Burns: How to Tell the Difference & Treat Them at Home

Learn how to treat a minor burn at home. Identify first- and second-degree burns, support healing burn blisters, and relieve pain with ALOCANE Max Strength Emergency Burn Gel.

Burns happen quickly, often in everyday situations. You might accidentally touch a hot pan, spill boiling water, graze a curling iron, or get burned grilling outdoors. Even minor burns can cause significant discomfort, so understanding the severity of the burn before treating it is crucial.

Minor burns can usually be treated at home if handled promptly. Proper care reduces pain, prevents infection, and supports faster healing. ALOCANE Max Strength Emergency Burn Gel provides fast relief and promotes recovery, especially for burns that blister. Having this gel on hand makes addressing small burns safe, simple, and effective.

First vs. Second Degree Burns: What’s the Difference?

Knowing the degree of your burn determines the appropriate treatment.

First-Degree Burns

• Affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis)
• Symptoms: Redness, dry skin, mild pain, slight swelling
• Examples: Sunburn or briefly touching a hot pan
• Healing: Usually 3–7 days without scarring

Second-Degree Burns

• Extend into the deeper layer of skin (dermis)
• Symptoms: Red, blistered skin, more intense pain, swelling, and sometimes oozing
• Examples: A burn on hand from touching hot oil or a curling iron
• Healing: May take 2–3 weeks and often involves healing burn blisters

Even within these categories, burns vary. For instance, a small second-degree burn on a fingertip may heal faster than a larger burn on the palm, but both require careful care to prevent infection and scarring.

The Healing Process: What to Expect by Burn Degree

First-Degree Burns

• Usually heal without intervention in a few days
• Redness and mild pain often improve with cool water and moisturizers
• Keeping the area protected and hydrated supports recovery

Second-Degree Burns

• Can take 2–3 weeks to fully heal
• Blisters are common and a natural part of the healing process, do not pop them
• Proper early treatment can shorten healing time and reduce scarring

Healing Burn Blisters

• Blisters act as a protective barrier over sensitive tissue
• Keep them clean and avoid friction
• Cover with a light, sterile dressing if necessary
• Applying ALOCANE Max Strength Emergency Burn Gel soothes pain while supporting the skin’s natural repair

Starting treatment quickly is essential. Proper care from the moment a burn occurs protects your skin and speeds up the healing process for burns.

Home Treatment Tips: What to Do (and What to Avoid)

Do:

• Run cool (not ice-cold) water over the burn for 10–15 minutes immediately
• Gently clean with mild soap and water
• Apply ALOCANE Max Strength Emergency Burn Gel to relieve pain and support healing
• Cover with a sterile, non-stick dressing if needed
• Reapply gel as necessary for ongoing relief

Don’t:

• Use ice, butter, or other home remedies that can damage tissue
• Pop blisters, which protect the skin underneath
• Apply harsh ointments that can trap heat or irritate the burn

Scenario Examples:

• You reached for a hot pan and now have a burn on your hand. Run it under cool water, cleanse gently, and apply ALOCANE to soothe pain and protect the skin.
• Hot oil splashed on your forearm. Follow the same steps and monitor for blistering. If blisters form, let them heal naturally with ALOCANE applied to relieve discomfort.

When to Seek Medical Help:

• Burns larger than 3 inches or involving the face, genitals, or major joints
• Severe pain that does not improve with at-home care
• Signs of infection: pus, spreading redness, swelling, or fever

Why Choose ALOCANE Max Strength Emergency Burn Gel

ALOCANE provides effective home care for minor burns:

• 4% lidocaine offers maximum-strength, fast-acting pain relief
• Aloe and vitamin E support the healing process for burns, helping restore skin
• Helps protect against infection while soothing sensitive areas, including burn blisters and tender hands
• Easy to store in a first-aid kit for immediate, convenient use at home
• Safe for adults and older children, making it versatile for everyday accidents

ALOCANE is particularly useful for common kitchen burns, grill mishaps, or small household accidents, giving you fast relief and helping your skin recover efficiently.

Additional Tips for Supporting Burn Recovery at Home

• Keep the burn area elevated when possible to reduce swelling
• Drink plenty of water to support overall skin recovery
• Avoid tight clothing over the burn site to prevent irritation
• Continue to monitor for infection, especially with second-degree burns

By combining these practices with ALOCANE Max Strength Emergency Burn Gel, you give minor burns the best chance to heal quickly, safely, and with minimal discomfort.

Accidents happen, but knowing how to respond is key. Recognize the burn degree, respond promptly with cool water and ALOCANE, and relieve pain while supporting healing. Keeping ALOCANE Max Strength Emergency Burn Gel on hand ensures you can respond to kitchen mishaps, hot-pan burns, or other minor injuries quickly and safely.