Second Degree Burns
When the epidermis and part of the dermis of the skin are involved in any burn injury, it is known as a second-degree burn. Depending on the level of nerve involvement, the severity of the pain varies in second-degree burns. In the case of second-degree burns, in addition to superficial blistering, there is accumulation of clear liquid in the area. Involving superficial or papillary dermis, second-degree burns sometimes involve the reticular or deep layer of the dermis.
According to the severity of these burns, they are further classified as deep or superficial. When only the outermost part of the dermis is involved, it is called superficial. Extreme pain and hypersensitivity to touch are characteristics of superficial burns. Appearing moist and red or mottled pink in color, the skin at the area of the burn blanches on pressure. Usually blisters appear after some time. Normally, this kind of superficial second - degree or partial thickness burns heal by themselves.
Tissue destruction to the deeper layers of the dermis is involved in deep second - degree and deep partial thickness burns. In contrast to the superficial type, these deep second -degree burns are usually dry and whitish in appearance, but they may appear like superficial burns. Normally pain is associated with this type of burns, though the skin does not blanch. It may take three to four weeks for the burn to heal. Thick or hypertrophic scars may remain even after the injury heals.
Causes of a second-degree burn include scald injuries, flames and a brief contact of the skin with a hot object. Sometimes deep sunburn, contact with hot liquids or chemicals and burning gasoline or kerosene also may cause second-degree burns. With second degree burns, the skin color turns to deep red and you will notice blisters. The burnt area appears shiny and moist. Second-degree burns that are only superficial normally heal in about three weeks. Care should be taken to keep the wound clean and protected. Treatment of second degree burns, the following conditions are considered:
- The medical history, overall health and the age of the patient
- To what extent the burn has damaged the skin
- Site of the burn
- Incident that caused the burn
Person affected by burns of this type may go into shock, since they lose lots of fluid from the burned site, if the injury involves more than 10% of skin. If a second-degree burn is greater than 2 or 3 inches in diameter, only a medical professional should treat it. It is safe to treat a burn like this at home only when it is a smaller. According to the severity of the burn, treatment may vary from antibiotic ointments to systemic antibiotics. Every day cleaning of the wound is necessary to remove dead skin. Depending on the severity of the burn, the dressing should be changed at least once or twice a day. It may be painful for the patient when the dressing is changed. A pain reliever or analgesic will help to reduce the pain. Care should be taken not to burst any blisters that have formed.
First Aid for second-degree burns
- Before the area begins to swell, tight clothing and jewelry should be removed.
- Cold-water compresses like a wet towel can be applied or flushing the burn with cool running water may also help to lessen the pain. Using ice or ice water can do more harm to the burned area and should be avoided.
- Do not try to burst the blisters. Breaking blisters will expose the skin which will lead to infection.
- Covering the burn with a sterile, non-fluffy and dry bandage can be done, but tapes should not be used on top of it.
- Ointments, grease, petroleum jelly, butter or any home remedies are better avoided.
- By keeping the burned arms or legs raised, you can reduce swelling.
- Getting medical help is the best for second-degree burns greater than 2 to 3 inches in diameter or for those on hands, buttocks, penis or vaginal region.
When there are open blisters following second-degree burns:
- If the clothing is stuck to the burn, better not remove them.
- Running water over the burn or using water on the bandage will increase the risk of shock and so do not do it.
- You can cover the burn with a clean, dry, non-fluffy bandage like gauze pad, but do not use tapes on the bandage.
Get the help of a doctor if the burn is very extensive and more than 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
Stye
A stye or hordeolum is a small lump that often makes an appearance on the inside or underside of the eyelids. A stye results from a bacterial infection of the glands at the eyelids. Styes or hordeolums are caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. A stye can also occur due to clogged oil glands around the eyelashes. In some cases, styes can spread and become serious infections. Typically a stye causes discomfort while blinking and sensitivity to light. But a stye normally does not affect vision.
Styes can affect children and adults alike. They appear as painful red pustules on the eyelid. They may water and cause tenderness and pain. Typically a stye drains after a few days. Application of warm compress hastens the healing process. A particularly stubborn stye must be examined by a physician to check if it needs to be lanced. Often a chalazion - an enlarged blocked oil gland is mistaken for a stye. A chalazion tends to appear on the edge of the eyelid and may remain for months on end. Do not touch anyone or anything after you have touched your infected eye. Avoid sharing towels and eye makeup. Do not try and break the stye on your own. Antibiotic ointments can provide relief.
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