How to Treat Second Degree Burns? | Simple First Aid Steps

Garden accidents, grill flare-ups, and hot metal all cause the same injury: a second-degree burn that blisters and stings. A second-degree burn is a partial-thickness injury that damages the epidermis and part of the dermis beneath it — that’s why it swells, blisters, and hurts more than a first-degree burn, which stays red without blistering. Most small burns heal fine with careful at-home care; the trouble starts when the wrong remedy makes things worse.

The Five Steps To Treat A Second Degree Burn

Treat a second-degree burn as soon as the burning stops: cool the wound for 10 to 20 minutes, remove anything tight, and cover it loosely. Each step matters, and the order matters more.

1. Move away from the heat source and stop the burning process first.
2. Remove rings, belts, jewelry, and other tight items quickly before swelling begins.
3. Run cool — not cold — water over the burn for 10 to 20 minutes. If running water isn’t available, use a cool wet cloth or submerge the area in cool water.
4. Cover the burn loosely with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. Never wrap it tight.
5. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen if needed.

Cooling for 10 to 20 minutes matches Mayo Clinic’s burn first-aid guidance, and the 2024 expert consensus goes further: start cooling as soon as possible and no later than 3 hours after the injury, and keep going for at least 20 minutes or until the pain improves. That easing of pain is your sign the cooling worked.

Once the burn starts healing, an aftercare cream keeps the skin supple and reduces scarring. Our tested roundup of the best cream for second degree burns compares the top-rated formulas so you can skip the guesswork.

What Not To Do

Ice, butter, grease, and ointments all make a fresh second-degree burn worse, and popping blisters invites infection.

• Never apply ice directly — it damages the tissue further.
• Avoid butter, grease, or ointments on the burn; they trap heat instead of releasing it.
• Don’t break blisters. They’re the body’s natural sterile dressing.
• Don’t remove clothing stuck to the burn.
• Don’t leave rings or tight items in place as swelling builds.

If a blister does break on its own, Mayo Clinic’s burn Q&A recommends washing it with soap and water, applying antibiotic ointment, and covering it with a bandage. Watch the area for the next few days — a burn that oozes, smells, or steadily hurts worse needs a doctor.

When Should You See A Doctor?

See a doctor immediately if the burn is larger than 2 to 3 inches across, sits on the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, or a major joint, or was caused by chemicals or electricity.

Follow-up matters too — deep or widespread burns can require specialized burn care and a longer recovery.