A second-degree burn affects the top two layers of skin (the epidermis and dermis). It is more serious than a first-degree burn. More to Know Signs and symptoms of second-degree burns include severe pain, swelling, redness, and blisters that sometimes break open. The area can be wet looking with a bright pink to cherry red color. Deep burns can result in scarring. Burns can be caused by contact with fire, heated objects, steam, hot liquids, or chemicals. Exposure to electrical currents, radiation, and the sun can also lead to second-degree burns. Small second-degree burns (no larger than 3 inches in diameter) can usually be treated at home. Larger burns or burns located on the face, hands, feet, groin, or major joints need to be treated by a doctor immediately. The first step in relieving symptoms is to apply cool water to the area for at least 5 minutes. Do not put ice, butter, or ointments on a burn. To protect the wound, you can cover the area with a dry, clean cloth or sheet. Keep in Mind Second-degree burns can be very painful and need to be watched carefully for infection. With proper treatment, however, most will heal in about 3 weeks. Taking safety precautions at home can help prevent many burns. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles A to Z: Burn, First-Degree A first-degree burn is a minor burn that only affects the top layer of skin, or epidermis. It is the mildest of the three types of burns (first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree). Read More A to Z: Burn, Third-Degree Third-degree burns, or full-thickness burns, are the most serious type of burn. They involve all the layers of the skin and underlying tissue and can cause permanent damage. Read More Fireworks Safety Fireworks safety starts with the manufacturer, but it ends with you! Read these tips on handling fireworks safely and have a blast on the Fourth! Read More Fireworks Safety Before your family celebrates a holiday, make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety. Read More How to Be Safe When You're in the Sun It's fun to be outside on a hot, sunny day. But too much sun and heat can make you feel terrible. Find out how to stay safe in this article for kids. Read More First Aid: Burns Scald burns from hot water and other liquids are the most common type of burn young kids get. Here's what to do if your child is burned. Read More First Aid: Sunburn You can treat mild sunburn at home. But severe sunburn needs medical attention. Here's what to do. Read More Sun Safety By teaching kids how to enjoy fun in the sun safely, parents can reduce their risk for developing skin cancer. Read More Being Safe in the Kitchen Cooking and baking are lots of fun - as long as you stay safe. Read this article for safety tips before you head into the kitchen. Read More Fireworks Safety Fireworks are cool to watch, but it's best to let the professionals set them off. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More Preventing House Fires Take the time now to review fire safety facts and tips to prevent fires in your home. Read More Burns Burns, especially scalds from hot water and liquids, are some of the most common childhood accidents. Minor burns often can be safely treated at home, but more serious burns require medical care. Read More Household Safety: Preventing Burns, Shocks, and Fires Burns are a potential hazard in every home. In fact, burns - especially scalds from hot water and liquids - are some of the most common childhood accidents. Here's how to protect kids from burns. Read More Childproofing and Preventing Household Accidents You might think of babies and toddlers when you hear the words "babyproofing" or "childproofing," but unintentional injury is the leading cause of death in kids 14 and under. Read More Word! Burn, First-Degree A first-degree burn is one that only hurts the top layer of skin. Read More Word! Burn, Second-Degree A second-degree burn is one that hurts the top two layers of skin. Read More Word! Burn, Third-Degree A third-degree burn is one that damages all the layers of the skin and the tissue beneath the skin. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.