What should you know about a minor second-degree burn?

A minor second-degree burn needs prompt cooling, gentle protection, and monitoring for infection or deeper injury. It may look red, swollen, wet or blistered and can be very tender. The skin can heal when the injury is small and away from high-risk areas, but appearance alone cannot confirm its depth.

Second-degree, also called partial-thickness, means the burn has passed through the surface layer into part of the underlying skin. Blisters may form because fluid collects beneath the damaged surface. Burns on the face, hands, feet, genitals, major joints or a broad area deserve medical assessment even when they seem minor. Chemical, electrical and smoke-related injuries need prompt professional advice.

Move away from the heat source and remove jewellery or tight clothing near the area before swelling develops, but leave anything stuck to the skin. Cool the burn under clean, cool running water for about twenty minutes; avoid ice, butter, oils and adhesive dressings. Do not break blisters. Cover it loosely with a sterile, non-stick dressing, keep the area clean, and use a suitable pain reliever only if you can take it safely.

Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, facial burns, a burn caused by electricity or chemicals, charred or numb skin, rapidly increasing swelling, or a burn that circles a limb. Arrange medical review if redness spreads, pain worsens, pus or fever develops, the dressing becomes soaked, or the wound is not improving. A clinician can check depth, clean the area and confirm whether tetanus protection is appropriate.

Ask whether the burn needs a different dressing, how often it should be changed, which pain relief is suitable for you, and what signs would mean the injury is infected or deeper than first thought.