A second-degree burn is an injury to the skin that affects the layers behind the epidermis (outermost layer of the skin).
The most common causes are exposure to thermal agents, exposure to cold, chemical burns, electrical current, radiation and inhalation.
Symptoms may include blistering, pain, swelling, white, red or charred skin.
Diagnosis is made through a detailed history and thorough physical examination.
Treatment is based on pain control with cooling of the area, use of anti-inflammatory drugs, tetanus vaccination, local dressings and monitoring for infection. In addition, the most serious cases must be treated at hospital level, ensuring support measures, pain control, gastric protection and specific measures according to the specialist's assessment.
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