Partial Thickness Burn

What is a partial thickness burn?

A partial thickness burn is also called a second-degree burn. Your skin contains 3 layers. A partial thickness burn occurs when the first layer and some of the second layer have been burned. This type of burn usually heals within 2 to 3 weeks with some scarring.

What are the types of partial thickness burn?

  • Superficial partial thickness burn: This type of burn involves the first layer and some of the second layer. There is no damage in the deeper layers or in the sweat glands or oil glands.

  • Deep partial thickness burn: This type of burn involves damage in the middle layer, and in the sweat glands and oil glands.

What are the signs and symptoms of a partial thickness burn?

  • Superficial partial thickness burn: The skin is red, moist, very painful to the touch, and has blisters. Areas of redness turn white when pressure is applied. The area returns to red quickly when the pressure is removed.

  • Deep partial thickness burn: The skin is mixed red or waxy white, wet or moist, and may have blisters. Some areas of redness may turn white when pressure is applied. This may return to red slowly or not all when the pressure is removed.

What causes a partial thickness burn?

Direct exposure to heat or flame is the most common cause of partial thickness burn. This includes contact with hot objects or flames such as an iron, a skillet, tar, cigarettes, or fireworks. The following may also cause partial thickness burn:

  • Harsh chemicals, such as cleaning products, car battery acid, gasoline, wet or dry cement, lime, or chlorine

  • Damaged electrical cords or electrical outlets

  • Hot water or steam

  • Exposure to harmful rays from the sun or from tanning beds

How is a partial thickness burn diagnosed?

Your caregiver will ask about your symptoms and ask how you were burned. He will examine you to determine what type of burn you have and how much of your body has been burned. Laser scanners may be used to check the blood flow in your skin.

How is a partial thickness burn treated?

  • Medicines:

    • Ointments: These medicines prevent infection and help your burn heal. The ointment may be placed on your skin or may be part of your bandage.


    • Pain medicine: You may be given a prescription medicine to decrease severe pain. Take the medicine as directed. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine.


  • Surgery:

    • Debridement: Caregivers remove damaged tissue from your body to prevent infection, decrease inflammation, and improve healing.

    • Skin grafts and flaps: Caregivers cover or replace lost skin with healthy skin to close your wounds, prevent infection, and decrease scarring. Skin flap surgery is done to fix large wounds that cannot be covered by skin grafting. A skin flap is skin and tissue near the wound that is used to cover the wound area. Skin flaps may improve the appearance of your skin.


How do I care for my partial thickness burn?

  • Wash your hands with soap and water. Remove old bandages and place them in a small plastic bag. You may need to soak the bandage in water before you remove it so it will not stick to your wound.

  • Gently clean the burned area daily with mild soap and water, and pat dry. Look for any swelling or redness around the burn. Do not break closed blisters, because this increases the risk of infection.

  • Apply cream or ointment to the burn with a cotton swab. Place a nonstick bandage over your burn.

  • Wrap a layer of gauze around the bandage to hold it in place. The wrap should be snug but not tight. It is too tight if you feel tingling or lose feeling in that area.

  • Apply gentle pressure for a few minutes if bleeding occurs.

  • Raise a burned arm or leg above your heart as often as you can to reduce swelling. Use pillows to raise the area comfortably.

Why may I need physical therapy?

Your muscles and joints may not work well after a partial thickness burn. You may need to see a physical therapist to teach you exercises that will improve movement and decrease pain. Physical therapy can also help improve strength and decrease your risk for loss of function.

What are the risks of a partial thickness burn?

You may become dehydrated. You have a higher risk of infection. You may have scarring after the burn heals. Scarring in some places, such as over joints, can cause loss of motion. Without treatment, your burn may become infected, and you may have increased pain. If the burn becomes infected, the burn will take longer to heal.

How can I prevent partial thickness burns?

  • Do not leave cups, mugs, or bowls containing hot liquids at the edge of a table. Keep pot handles turned away from the stove front.

  • Do not leave a lit cigarette. Discard it properly. Keep cigarette lighters and matches in a safe place where children cannot reach them.

  • Keep your water heater setting to low or medium.

When should I contact my caregiver?

Contact your caregiver if:

  • You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

When should I seek immediate care?

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

  • You have a fever.

  • You have increased redness, numbness, or swelling in the burn area.

  • Your pain is not relieved or is getting worse, even after you take pain medicine.

  • Your wound or bandage is leaking pus and has a bad smell.

Care Agreement



Learn more about Partial Thickness Burn