Second-degree burns and skin grafts

Second-degree burns affect the outer skin and part of the deeper skin layer. They may be red, moist, swollen and blistered, with significant pain, although deeper injury can alter sensation. Some heal with dressings and careful wound care; a deeper or slow-healing wound may benefit from grafting. During grafting, healthy skin is moved from another body area to cover the wound. The donor site also needs dressings and healing time, and the graft needs protection while it attaches.

For a fresh burn, move away from the heat source, cool the area with cool running water, remove tight items before swelling develops and cover it with a clean non-stick dressing. Do not apply ice, butter or adhesive material to the wound, and do not burst blisters. A specialist will explain wound cleaning, dressings, pain relief, movement exercises and whether a graft is suitable. Later scar texture or colour may be discussed with fractional laser treatment.

Get urgent medical assessment for a deep, extensive or circumferential burn, burns involving the face, hands, feet, joints or genitals, electrical or chemical burns, breathing difficulty, confusion or severe pain. After grafting, contact the care team promptly for increasing pain, fever, foul drainage, spreading redness, graft lifting or a dressing soaked with blood.

Ask how deep the burn appears, why grafting is or is not advised, where donor skin may come from, how movement will be protected, and which changes should trigger an urgent call.