First and second-degree burns are considered minor. These burns can be caused by hot objects, hot liquids, steam, or the sun.
First-degree burns are red and blanch white when pressure is applied. There is no skin disruption or blistering, because they involve only the outside layer of skin. Though painful, they take only 2 to 5 days to heal and do not leave scars.
Second-degree burns are also known as partial-thickness burns. The epidermis (outside layer of skin) is destroyed, and the dermis (inside layer of skin) is damaged. Burned skin is a mottled red and pink, and weepy. Blisters are present. Superficial second-degree burns are quite painful, and heal within one to two weeks without scarring. Deeper second-degree burns are less painful, but may take several weeks to heal. They often leave scars.
If you witness a burn, or burn yourself, the sooner you act, the better. First, immerse the affected area in cool clean water. This will stop further damage from occurring. Keep it in cool water until the pain lessens or goes away. Do not apply grease, butter, ointments, or medicated sprays to burns. Gently dry off the burn. If there are no blisters, just cover the burn with a non-stick sterile dressing. If there are blisters, apply Silvazine or other proprietary burn cream to the burn. Do not purposely rupture any blisters. They will go away as the skin heals itself. Then apply a non-stick sterile dressing.
Gently change the dressing and clean the area at least once a day, more often if it gets dirty.
SEE YOUR DOCTOR IF A BURN:
- covers a large area of skin
- involves the hands, feet, face, or genitals
- is an electrical burn (deep tissue damage may exist)
- shows signs of infection such as redness around the area, swelling, heat, pus, or failure to heal in a few days
- causes a fever
- occurs on a child
