There are valid arguments on both sides of the issue. Experts in favor of puncturing or debriding blisters believe that the fluid contained in blisters may provide a medium for bacterial growth, and that this fluid also inhibits immune function.
![second degree burn second degree burn](https://healthjade.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Deep-Second-Degree-Burn.jpg)
Some experts favor leaving blisters intact, as they believe that blister formation protects the wound bed, keeping it moist, protected and clean, and that purposefully breaking or debriding blisters increases the risk of infection.
#Second degree burn how to#
There are two schools of thought in regards to how to treat blisters associated with second degree burns. It is important to remember that burns often contain a mixture of burn depths therefore it is possible for a patient to have areas of both first and second degree burns. These burns may take up to a month to heal, and scarring may be extensive. They are less red and are drier than superficial second degree burns.
![second degree burn second degree burn](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/gkKRjAicT41DowGVyCQtXPMI38A=/2048x1611/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/image-56a2f5623df78cf7727b4bee.jpg)
Antimicrobials are not required for first degree burns. Some patients may even require hospitalization briefly in order to control pain. Analgesics may be required for patients who experience large first degree burns. In addition, moisturizers may increase comfort. Cool compresses may provide some relief from pain. These burns generally heal quickly and do not cause scarring.įirst degree burns are not considered to be open wounds therefore, they require no dressings. The injured epidermis will slough off after a few days.
#Second degree burn skin#
When touched, skin that is burned superficially will blanch. They are dry, red and can be very painful. First Degree Burnsįirst degree burns, often referred to as superficial burns, affect only the epidermis or outermost layer of skin. The following is an overview of first and second degree burns, including pathophysiology and treatment. Health care professionals encounter burns in their patient populations frequently, and must be able to differentiate between types of burns, as well as know how to treat burn injuries using current practice standards. By Laurie Swezey RN, BSN, CWOCN, CWS, FACCWS