Burn injury severity differs depending on several factors. According to the severity of an injury, the type of treatment a person needs will change, too.
Second degree burns often fall in the moderate to severe category of burn injuries. But how serious are they?
Second degree vs. first degree
Temple Health looks at the scale of burn injury severity. On this scale, second degree injuries fall between first degree and third degree burns, with first being the most mild and third serving as the most severe.
Second degree burns require more immediate attention and care than first degree burns. While first degree burns often simply need over the counter pain management medications, second degree burns sometimes require more serious medical intervention like prescription pain killers.
In some cases, a physician may even prescribe antibiotics. This is especially common if the second degree burn has numerous blisters, which could eventually pop and become open wounds that will allow for bacteria to infiltrate the body and grow.
Are second degree burns serious?
However, second degree burns are not immediately classified as serious injuries. In fact, these burns only fall into that category in one of two instances: if the burn is located on the victim’s face, or if the burn is larger than 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
Despite that, second degree burns can and do leave scars. They also cause the sufferer a great deal of pain during the healing process. This is why any sort of burn, regardless of severity, should receive quick attention and accurate medical care.