I have a 2nd degree burn...what should i do?

Question

okay so i accidently burned my leg about an hr. ago from a curling iron, its about 3 inches long.

i dont wanna see a doctor.

what should i do though??

Answer 1

First, apply cold. Ice or a cold pack; and make sure the burn is clean.

Then aloe vera!  If you have an aloe vera plant, cut a leaf big enough, cut off the spines and peel the skin of it to expose the gel; place the gel side on top of the burn, then bandage it in place overnight.

If you don't have the plant, use the aloe vera gel used for sunburn, slather it on, cover it to protect the burn, bandage it in place.

You can put a cold pack on top of the bandage to keep the burn cold, to relieve the pain.

This will soothe the pain and protect the burn from getting hurt more.  But uncover it at least a few minutes a day.

Keep it bandaged with aloe vera gel until you feel it is ready to be exposed to the the environment; that is until it is at least partly healed.  

The new skin will be tender for a while even after it is healed.

Answer 2

Cool the burn. The important thing is to lower the temperature of the skin and prevent further damage, which may take a while. Do not use aloe, honey, butter, or any other similar substance, as a second degree burn causes the skin to slough away, leaving the tender lower layers of skin susceptible to infection. These substances should not be used on open wounds.

Run cool, not cold, water over the burned area for at least 15 minutes.

Another good way to cool a burn is to take several clean washcloths and submerge them in a container of ice water. One at a time, gently apply the washcloth to the burned area, swapping them when the washcloth becomes warm. Do not directly apply ice to the skin's surface, as cold of that severity can further damage skin.

Assess the severity of the burn. Along with the degree of the burn, the severity is indicated by its size and location. A burn on the hands, face, feet, genitals, or other area with weak, sensitive skin is far more serious than a burn in a less painful location, because complications in these areas could result in serious consequences. The size of the burn is also important. Second degree burns larger than 3 inches, or on these danger areas, require immediate medical attention.

Treat the burn with an antibiotic cream. Place a dry gauze bandage over the burn and attach it to the healthy skin with medical tape. Repeat the treatment at least once every day. Keep free of dirt, and away from direct sunlight. Salve the burned area with damp cloths, if needed.

Check the burned area daily for infection. Signs of infection include: increasing pain, green or blue discoloration, heated skin, pus, increasing redness, swellings or any kind of discharge. If you see these signs, get medical attention immediately.

As the burn begins to heal, treat the newly formed skin with liquid Vitamin E. This comes in capsules that can be pierced, but more conveniently, in small bottles, and is available at the vitamin counter at drug stores. This will reduce the risk of scarring and make the new skin itch less. Only begin the Vitamin E treatment once the skin is completely sealed from infection.

Make sure to always keep your scarred area covered in sunblock. Scars don't have the capacity to protect themselves from the sun, so further damage is possible if the area is burned again.

Answer 3

no question, doctor as the burn may become infected. That must've hurt like a b*tch. feel better!!

Answer 4

GO SEE A DOCTOR!!!!!!!!!!!!I got a second degree burn on my legs and it was the most painful thing I have ever Felt.It is a really serious Burn.

  

Answer 5

You are fine. I have burned my FACE on the hottest curling iron you can buy and I dont even have a scar today. It seemed HORRIBLE, but it was fine. Make sure that it is moisturized. Cocoa butter is good to use, but if you just burned it I would put aloe on it. If you think its getting infected or at risk make sure to keep it very clean and put Neosporin on it. The Neosporin plus pain relief really does take away the pain. But make sure to keep the burn out of the sun or tanning bed. If you must sun bathe, cover it up! And last but not least, If you end up getting a scar, Mederma works too!  

Answer 6

Sorry to say this but you do need a doctor as it could lead to an infection. In the meantime, if you have some Burnol cream or similar creams for burns, you can apply that for temporary relief. But do see a doctor! Good luck