First Aid And Home Treatment For 2nd Degree Burns
Second-degree burns affect both the epidermis and part of the dermis. The affected area will present with deep redness as well as blisters. The skin is also painful to the touch, and may be weeping, too. In most instances, second degree burns are caused by scald injuries, flames, and brief contact with a hot object. Burn at this degree that doesn’t affect greater than 10% of the skinâs surface and can generally be cared for at home using a treatment plan suggested by your primary healthcare provider or ER doctor.
Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent other problems from cropping up and to speed up healing. 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.
Remember not to use ice or ice water as these can actually cause more harm than good. 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 burn is on a leg or an arm, keep the limb elevated for the first 24 to 48 hours to prevent swelling. Also remember to continue moving the affected limb normally to keep contractures at bay.
It is not healthy to apply sprays or butter on burns as these do not allow the heat to dissipate. Doctors usually prescribe topical creams to keep infection at bay and to aid in healing. One of the frequently given topical medications is silver sulfadiazine and this medication is effective against a broad range of bacteria Silver sulfadiazine is safe if you follow its dosage instructions carefully. In most cases, it is applied only once or twice a day.
Nonetheless, since it is a pharmaceutical drug, there is always that chance of it interacting with other drugs or causing some unwanted effects. This highlights the importance of going to a physician to ascertain if silver sulfadiazine is the best drug for you, and to determine the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment. The cream should be applied only after the affected area has been cleansed with soapy water.
Never touch the burn with your hands or anything dirty because open blisters can get infected easily. Always wear a sterile, disposable glove when you apply silver sulfadiazine to prevent infection. If the burned skin or blisters have broken open or are likely to become dirty to be irritated by clothing, applying bandage may be necessary.