What if your skin burns? Let's talk about second-degree burns!

In our daily lives, small accidents can happen at unexpected times, right? Sometimes, hot water can fall on your hand, or an iron can hit your hand. When this happens, our skin is damaged, and we call it a "burn." These burns can take many forms. Today, we are going to talk about a slightly more serious one, that is, a Second-Degree Burn .

Let's first see what a burn is.

Simply put, a burn is damage to our skin or the tissues underneath it, caused by excessive heat , fire, electricity , chemicals, or sometimes even direct sunlight. The severity of a burn depends on the extent of this damage.

Are there different types of baking?

Yes, there are three main types of pitching. It's like giving points, level one, level two, and level three.

First-Degree Burns

This is the mildest type of burn . Imagine if you were to get a little hot water on your skin and it would turn red and feel a little hot, right? That's how it is. In this case, only the thin layer on top of the skin is damaged, which is what we call the `Epidermis` in medical terms.

• The skin turns red.
• It's a little swollen.
• There is inflammation and pain.
• But blisters don't usually appear.
• It heals in a few days, and there aren't many scars .

Second-Degree Burns

This is the topic we're talking about the most today. This is a little more serious than the first degree . Because in this, not only the top layer of the skin, that is, the `Epidermis`, is damaged, but also the second layer underneath it, that is, the `Dermis` . This `Dermis` is where our nerve endings and blood vessels are located. Therefore, this can be a little more painful.

Third-Degree Burns

This is the most serious type of burn . Sometimes called a fourth-degree burn, it can damage all layers of the skin, down to the underlying muscles and bones . In a third-degree burn, both layers of the skin, the epidermis and the dermis, are completely destroyed.

• The skin may appear to be burnt white or black.
• Sometimes you may not feel any pain, because the nerve endings have been destroyed. But there may be pain around the burn.
• This definitely requires medical treatment, possibly including a skin graft .

Important: To know the exact extent of a burn, it is best to see a doctor. We are talking about this for general knowledge.

How does a second-degree burn occur?

There are several possible causes of second-degree burns. Let's take a look at what they are:

• Scalds: Spilling hot liquids like tea, coffee, milk, soup, etc. is a major concern in homes with young children.
• Flame burns: Direct exposure to a flame. This can be from a stove, candle, or other fire hazard.
• Contact burns: Touching something like a hot iron, silencer, or hot pan.
• Chemical burns: Some harsh acids, such as bleaching powder, can cause burns to the skin.
• Electrical burns: Second-degree burns can sometimes occur from electric shock. These are more dangerous because the damage may be deeper than it appears on the outside.
• Severe sunburn : When you are in the sun for a long time, you can sometimes get a burn that causes blisters. This can also be a second-degree burn.

What are the symptoms of a second-degree burn? How do you recognize it?

The following are the most common symptoms of a second-degree burn:

• Severe pain: There is more severe pain than level one.
• Redness of the skin: The burned area becomes very red.
• Blisters: This is the main symptom of a second-degree burn. One or more fluid-filled blisters appear. It is not a good idea to break these blisters as this can lead to infection.
• Swelling: The burned area may swell.
• Wet, shiny appearance: Sometimes the burn area may appear wet and shiny.
• The skin may turn a deep pink or red with spots .

Imagine that your friend spilled some hot oil on his hand. If his hand is red, blistered, and he says it hurts a lot, it's probably a second-degree burn.

What first aid can be done at home for a second-degree burn?

When a burn occurs, don't panic, and do these things quickly:

1. Remove the heat: Quickly remove the burned person from the source of the heat (fire, hot water).

2. Cooling: Hold regular cold water (not ice water!) over the burn for 10-20 minutes . This will reduce pain, control swelling, and slow the spread of the damage. Do not force the water, just hold it gently.

• Important: Do not apply ice or ice water directly to the skin. This can further damage the skin.

3. Remove jewelry: If there are rings, bracelets, or necklaces on the burned area, remove them before they swell.

4. Cover the burn with a clean, dry, non-stick bandage or a clean cloth. Do not apply too much pressure. This will help prevent infection. Do not place cotton swabs directly on the wound, as they can stick to the wound.

5. Painkillers: You can take a painkiller like paracetamol, but it's best to ask a doctor.

Don't mention these things!

• Do not pop blisters: If you pop blisters, there is a higher chance of infection.
• Do not place ice directly on it.
• Do not apply anything to the burn, such as butter, oil, toothpaste, coffee grounds, or incense ash. These can cause infection and delay healing. Do not apply any ointment that has not been prescribed by a doctor.
• Do not place sticky objects (like cotton wool) directly on the wound.

When should you seek medical advice for a second-degree burn?

Not all second-degree burns require major treatment, but you should definitely see a doctor if:

• If the burn area is large: If the burn area is larger than the size of your palm (without your fingers).
• Burn site: Face, hands, feet, genitals, joints (such as elbows, knees) if burned. If scars form in these areas, daily activities may be affected.
• If you see signs of infection: if pus is coming from the burn, if redness is spreading, if swelling is increasing, if fever is developing, if pain is getting worse.
• If the burn victim is a small child, an elderly person, or someone with other medical conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus).
• If you get burned by a chemical or electricity: These can be more serious than they appear.
• If you have difficulty breathing (especially if you have inhaled smoke).
• If it has been a while since you received a tetanus shot, your doctor may decide to give you a tetanus booster.
• If the pain does not subside or there is no improvement after several days of home first aid,

Remember, even if it seems like something minor, if you have any doubts, it's wise to see a doctor for advice.

What kind of treatment does the doctor provide?

When you go to a doctor, they will first examine the burn carefully, checking its size, depth, and extent of spread. After that, they may treat it as needed, such as:

• Cleaning the wound: The wound is thoroughly cleaned using special fluids.
• Treating blisters: If you have large blisters, your doctor may be able to remove them under controlled conditions (aseptic conditions). But don't pop them at home.
• Special ointments and dressings: You can apply ointments (e.g., silver sulfadiazine cream) and special dressings that are suitable for burn wounds, prevent infection, and help the wound heal faster.
• Painkillers: If there is severe pain, appropriate painkillers will be prescribed.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given if there is an infection or if there is a high risk of infection.
• For severe burns: Sometimes, if the burn is very deep or large, you may need to be hospitalized for treatment. You may also need to undergo surgery, such as a skin graft .

Let's learn about recovery and possible complications.

A second-degree burn usually takes about one to three weeks to heal. This can vary depending on the depth of the burn, its size, and your health.

• Scars: Scars can form after second-degree burns, especially if the burn is deep. Sometimes the skin color may also change.
• Infection: If the burn is not kept clean, infection can occur. That's why it's very important to take care of the wound as your doctor tells you.
• Contractures: If a burn goes through a joint, the skin may tighten and limit the movement of the joint as it heals. This may require physiotherapy treatment.

How to protect yourself from burns?

"Precaution is the way to a happy life." So let's be careful about these things to protect ourselves from burns:

• Be very careful in the kitchen. Be careful when removing hot things from the stove and when frying in oil.
• Keep children away from the kitchen, hot irons, and heaters.
• When using hot water, especially when bathing children, check the temperature of the water.
• Keep things like matches and lighters out of reach of children.
• When using electrical appliances, be careful with the wires. Do not use broken or old wires.
• Wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles when using chemicals.

Things to remember in summary

Okay, so we've talked a lot about a second-degree burn, haven't we? In short:

• A second-degree burn is a blistering, painful burn that damages both the upper layers of the skin (the epidermis and dermis).
• Wash with cool water (not ice!) as soon as you burn.
• Don't pop the blisters. Don't apply things like toothpaste or butter.
• If the burn is large, on the face, limbs, or if there are signs of infection, be sure to see a doctor.
• Follow the doctor's instructions carefully.

A burn can happen to anyone. But with awareness, proper first aid, and medical attention, you can recover quickly. It's always best to be safe. I hope you found this information helpful!

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