Print Overview Second-degree burn Enlarge image Close Second-degree burn Second-degree burn A second-degree burn, which often looks wet or moist, affects the first and second layers of skin (epidermis and dermis). Blisters may develop and pain can be severe. Burns are tissue damage that results from heat, overexposure to the sun or other radiation, or chemical or electrical contact. Burns can be minor medical problems or life-threatening emergencies. The treatment of burns depends on the location and severity of the damage. Sunburns and small scalds can usually be treated at home. Deep or widespread burns need immediate medical attention. Some people need treatment at specialized burn centers and monthslong follow-up care.Products & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Home Remedies Symptoms Skin anatomy Enlarge image Close Skin anatomy Skin anatomy Your skin has three layers that house your sweat and oil glands, hair follicles, melanocytes, and blood vessels. Third-degree burn Enlarge image Close Third-degree burn Third-degree burn Third-degree burns extend into the fat layer that lies beneath the dermis. The skin may appear stiff, waxy white, leathery or tan. These types of burns usually require skin grafts for wound closure. Radiation burn Enlarge image Close Radiation burn Radiation burn Radiation burns can be caused by X-rays or radiation therapy to treat cancer. Burn symptoms vary depending on how deep the skin damage is. It can take a day or two for the signs and symptoms of a severe burn to develop. 1st-degree burn. This minor burn affects only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). It may cause redness and pain. 2nd-degree burn. This type of burn affects both the epidermis and the second layer of skin (dermis). It may cause swelling and red, white or splotchy skin. Blisters may develop, and pain can be severe. Deep second-degree burns can cause scarring. 3rd-degree burn. This burn reaches to the fat layer beneath the skin. Burned areas may be black, brown or white. The skin may look leathery. Third-degree burns can destroy nerves, causing numbness. When to see a doctorSeek emergency medical assistance for: Burns that cover the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, a major joint or a large area of the body Deep burns, which means burns affecting all layers of the skin or even deeper tissues Burns that cause the skin to look leathery Burns that appear charred or have patches of black, brown or white Burns caused by chemicals or electricity Difficulty breathing or burns to the airway Take first-aid measures while waiting for emergency assistance. Call your doctor if you experience: Signs of infection, such as oozing from the wound, increased pain, redness and swelling A burn or blister that's large or doesn't heal in two weeks New, unexplained symptoms Significant scarring Request an appointment There is a problem with information submitted for this request. 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Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry CausesBurns are caused by: Fire Hot liquid or steam Hot metal, glass or other objects Electrical currents Radiation, such as that from X-rays Sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet radiation, such as a tanning bed Chemicals such as strong acids, lye, paint thinner or gasoline Abuse ComplicationsComplications of deep or widespread burns can include: Bacterial infection, which may lead to a bloodstream infection (sepsis) Fluid loss, including low blood volume (hypovolemia) Dangerously low body temperature (hypothermia) Breathing problems from the intake of hot air or smoke Scars or ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids) Bone and joint problems, such as when scar tissue causes the shortening and tightening of skin, muscles or tendons (contractures) PreventionTo reduce the risk of common household burns: Never leave items cooking on the stove unattended. Turn pot handles toward the rear of the stove. Don't carry or hold a child while cooking at the stove. Keep hot liquids out of the reach of children and pets. Keep electrical appliances away from water. Check the temperature of food before serving it to a child. Don't heat a baby's bottle in the microwave. Never cook while wearing loosefitting clothes that could catch fire over the stove. If a small child is present, block his or her access to heat sources such as stoves, outdoor grills, fireplaces and space heaters. Before placing a child in a car seat, check for hot straps or buckles. Unplug irons and similar devices when not in use. Store them out of reach of small children. Cover unused electrical outlets with safety caps. Keep electrical cords and wires out of the way so that children can't chew on them. If you smoke, never smoke in bed. Be sure you have working smoke detectors on each floor of your home. Check them and change their batteries at least once a year. Keep a fire extinguisher on every floor of your house. When using chemicals, always wear protective eyewear and clothing. Keep chemicals, lighters and matches out of the reach of children. Use safety latches. And don't use lighters that look like toys. Set your water heater's thermostat to below 120 F (48.9 C) to prevent scalding. Test bath water before placing a child in it. Also be alert to burn risks outside the home, especially if you are in places with open flames, chemicals or superheated materials. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment Aug. 13, 2022 Print Show references Hall JB, et al. Critical care of the burn patient. In: Principles of Critical Care. 4th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Education; 2015. AskMayoExpert. Burn rehabilitation. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2018. Burns. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/burns/burns. Accessed June 5, 2018. Stone CK, et al., eds. Burns and smoke inhalation. In: Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Emergency Medicine. 8th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Education; 2017. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed June 5, 2018. Kermott CA, et al., eds. Emergencies and urgent care. In: Mayo Clinic Guide to Self-Care. 7th ed. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2017. Kowalske KJ. Burn wound care. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America. 2011;22:213. Pediatric scalds: A burning issue. American Burn Center. http://ameriburn.org/prevention/prevention-resources/#1493037731300-e4bd5ba9-3769. Accessed June 7, 2018. Wiktor A, et al. Treatment of minor thermal burns. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 5, 2018. Murphy F, et al. Treatment for burn blisters: Debride or leave intact? Emergency Nurse. 2014;22:24. Burns. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/masstrauma/factsheets/public/burns.pdf. Accessed Nov. 24, 2017. Burns. American College of Emergency Physicians. http://www.emergencycareforyou.org/emergency-101/burns/#sm.00001vmpo9txgzeszpr9msb2lf8tm. Accessed June 5, 2018. Cooking safety for older adults. American Burn Center. http://ameriburn.org/prevention/prevention-resources/#1493037731300-e4bd5ba9-3769. Accessed June 5, 2018. Leon-Villapalos J, et al. Overview of surgical procedures used in the management of burn injuries. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 5, 2018. Burn prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/safechild/burns/. Accessed June 5, 2018. Shelov SP, et al. Safety outside the home. In: Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. 6th ed. New York, N.Y.: Bantam Books; 2014. Gauglitz GG, et al. Overview of the management of the severely burned patient. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 5, 2018. Burns and scalds. Safe Kids Worldwide. https://www.safekids.org/safetytips/field_risks/burns-and-scalds. Accessed June 7, 2018. Peck MD. Prevention of fire and burn injuries. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 7, 2018. Related Radiation burn Second-degree burn Third-degree burn Associated Procedures Chest X-rays Upper endoscopy News from Mayo Clinic Ouch! I've burned my hand on a hot pan -- now what? June 07, 2023, 12:00 p.m. CDT Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Home Remedies BurnsSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&departments Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. 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There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview. Email Address 1 ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry