Any burn, regardless of substance, may cause blisters to form. This type of burn is classified as a second-degree burn, and requires more care and attention than a minor, or first-degree, burn. Second-degree burns must be treated carefully to prevent infection during the healing process, which may take up to two to three weeks, depending on the location and size of the burned area.
Blister Burns
A second-degree blister may form after exposure to sun, chemicals, hot oil, hot water or any other number of hot or caustic substances. Whenever possible, flush the burned area with cool, not cold, water to rinse away the substance that has caused the burn in the first place. Do not pop the blisters or wipe away moisture caused by fluid loss. If the burned area is small (less than the size of the palm of your hand) you may treat it at home with care, though anything larger or any burns to the face or genital area should be seen and treated by a physician.
Treatment for Closed-Burn Blisters
For a second-degree blister burn that is closed, protect the area by removing any objects such as clothing or jewelry from around the area. Expose the burned area to cool running water for about 10 to 15 minutes to help cool the temperature of the skin as well as to flush substances such as chemicals or fluids away from the skin. Avoid dunking or exposing the blistered skin to ice water, as this will serve to increase chances of skin infection. The same goes for popping or breaking open the blisters.
Don't apply oils such as butter or solid cooking shortening to the burned area, as this closes the pores and doesn't allow heat to escape, which is the goal. Lift or slightly raise the extremity to help reduce swelling.
For immediate first aid to someone who has second-degree or blister burns from a caustic or chemical substance, remove the clothing immediately and run the burned area of the skin under cool running water for between 15 and 30 minutes.
Treatment for Open-Burn Blisters
Open-burn blisters may be treated with antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin or aloe-based gels that will kill bacteria. Cover the burned area gently and loosely with gauze to protect against infection. Try not to peek or uncover the burned area for at least 24 hours in order to encourage the healing process. To remove the bandage, you may need to soak it first to prevent it from sticking to the wound. Check for any signs of infection, reapply antibiotic ointment or cream, and re-cover with clean bandaging.
Tags: burned area, second-degree blister, cool running, cool running water, healing process, running water