Home Treatment for Second-Degree Burns

For many second-degree burns, home treatment is all that is needed for healing and to prevent other problems.

• Rinse the burn.
  • Rinse burned skin with cool water until the pain stops. The cool water lowers the skin temperature and stops the burn from becoming more serious. You may:
    • Place arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, or toes in a basin of cool water.
    • Apply cool compresses to burns on the face or body.
  • Do not use ice or ice water. They can cause tissue damage.
  • Take off any jewelry, rings, or clothing that could be in the way or that would become too tight if the skin swells.
• Clean the burn.
  • Wash the burn every day with a mild soap and water. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. They can slow healing.
  • Gently pat the burn dry after you wash it.
  • Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the burn.
  • You may cover the burn with a nonstick bandage. There are many bandage products available. Be sure to read the product label for correct use.
  • Replace the bandage as needed.
  • Avoid using an antibiotic ointment unless your doctor recommends it.
  • Do not put pain-relief skin sprays on burns, because they trap the heat inside the burn.
• Do not break blisters open. This increases the chance of infection. If a blister breaks open by itself, blot up the liquid, and leave the skin that covered the blister. This helps protect the new skin.
• Try medicines.
  • Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve), as needed. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not use aspirin, because it can make bleeding in the burned area worse.
  • Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
  • An antihistamine may help stop itching. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

If the burn is on a leg or an arm, keep the limb raised as much as possible for the first few days to decrease swelling. Move a burned leg or arm normally to keep the burned skin from healing too tightly, which can limit movement.

Don’t smoke, vape, or use other tobacco or nicotine products. These things slow healing and recovery. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about quit programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.

If you think you may have a more serious injury, be sure to be checked by a doctor.