How Do You Identify Second Degree Burns?
Second degree burns are very painful because they extend past the top layers of skin and enter the dermis, which is the deeper layer of the skin. These can cause complications, particularly in children and elderly people, so they require medical attention quickly. Getting medical attention requires identifying the burns and distinguishing them from regular burns that just injure the top layer of skin, the epidermis. Here are some signs of second-degree burns that you can look for if you are giving first aid to a burn victim. Look carefully at the victim’s skin. A second degree burn will cause the skin to look red and blistered. Check if the skin looks wet. This is another sign of a second degree burn. It occurs because of the fluid lost when the deeper layers of skin are burned. Check the victim’s heart rate, if possible. Often the victim’s heart rate will increase quite a bit because of the tremendous pain that comes from a second degree burn. Look for white skin or skin that has irre
