What is the treatment for a second-degree sunburn?

From the Guidelines

Treatment for a second-degree sunburn should prioritize cooling the burn, managing pain, and preventing infection, with a focus on promoting healing and minimizing complications, as recommended by the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1. To manage a second-degree sunburn, it is essential to start by cooling the burn with a cold compress or cool bath for 10-15 minutes to reduce inflammation and pain.

• Apply aloe vera gel or moisturizer containing aloe several times daily to soothe the skin and maintain moisture.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours) to manage pain and reduce inflammation, as these have been shown to be well-tolerated and effective in patients with second- or third-degree burns 1.
• Keep the burned area clean by gently washing with mild soap and water, then pat dry.
• Do not break blisters as they protect against infection; if they break naturally, clean the area and apply an antibiotic ointment like bacitracin or polysporin.
• Cover large blisters with sterile, non-stick gauze or a nonadherent bandage to protect the wound and reduce pain, as recommended by the guidelines 1.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help your skin heal.
• Avoid sun exposure on the burned area until it's fully healed.
• Seek medical attention if the burn covers a large area, affects the face or major joints, shows signs of infection (increased pain, redness, swelling, or pus), or doesn't improve within a few days, as these may require specialized care, including intravenous fluid resuscitation, surgery, and other treatments 1.

From the Research

Treatment for Second-Degree Sunburn

The treatment for second-degree sunburn involves various methods to promote healing, reduce pain, and prevent infection. Some of the key treatment options include:

• Topical antimicrobial agents or advanced occlusive dressings to help reduce pain, promote healing, and prevent wound desiccation 2
• Topical antibiotic ointment, such as triple-antibiotic ointment, which has been shown to enhance reepithelialization and reduce scar depth and contraction compared to silver-based foam dressings 2
• Antiseptics, such as silver-based antiseptics, honey, or iodine-based antiseptics, which can help prevent infection and promote healing 3
• Occlusive dressings, such as hydrocolloid dressings, which can provide a moist environment to promote healing and reduce pain 4, 5

Comparison of Treatment Options

Studies have compared the effectiveness of different treatment options for second-degree burns. For example:

• A study found that topical antibiotic ointment was more effective than silver-based foam dressings in promoting reepithelialization and reducing scar depth and contraction 2
• Another study found that honey was more effective than topical antibiotics in promoting healing and reducing infection 3
• A study comparing hydrocolloid dressings and silver sulfadiazine cream found that hydrocolloid dressings were superior in promoting wound healing, repigmentation, and reducing pain 5

First Aid and Wound Care

First aid and wound care are crucial in the treatment of second-degree sunburn. This includes:

• Immediate cooling of the burn with cold water to reduce edema formation and promote healing 6
• Cleaning and dressing the wound to prevent infection and promote healing 4
• Regular follow-up and monitoring to assess the healing progress and adjust treatment as needed 4, 5