Skin has three layers: the outer layer (epidermis), middle layer (dermis), and bottom layer (subcutaneous tissue). A partial thickness burn (also known as a second-degree burn) affects both the outer and middle layers. It causes redness, swelling, and blistering of the skin and is very painful. Healing time may vary, but it usually takes 3 weeks or more. Depending how deep the burn is, it can leave a scar.

Follow your health care provider's advice for: 

• Giving your child any medicines. These may include prescription pain medicine, acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand), or ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand). Some prescription pain medicines also include acetaminophen or ibuprofen. To avoid giving too much, give the medicines exactly as your health care provider recommends. Don't give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old. 
• Using aloe vera gel (available at drugstores without a prescription) or any other lotions or creams.
• Any activities your child should avoid.
• When your child can return to school and other activities.
• When your child should follow up.

Caring for the burn:

• Wash the burn every day. Use a mild soap and warm water, rinse, and gently pat dry with clean gauze or a towel.
• Do not peel any loose skin or break or pop blisters.
• Change the dressing (bandage covering) as recommended:
  • It can help to give pain medicine 30 minutes beforehand.
  • Use any prescribed ointments as directed.
• As the burn heals, it may be itchy. Help your child not scratch the area. Try to help them focus on something else that they enjoy, like reading or coloring. For babies, you can have them wear mittens or make sure the burn is covered. If needed, you can ask your health care provider about giving medicine to soothe itching.
• If your child needs to go outside, cover the burn to protect it from the sun.

Your child:

• Has increased redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage coming from the burn area
• Has a bad odor in the burn area
• Has pain that isn't controlled by the pain medicine
• Gets a fever

Your child has severe pain.

What causes partial-thickness burns? Partial-thickness burns can happen from hot liquids, flames, steam, chemicals (like bleach, drain cleaner, or battery acid), or direct contact with hot objects. They can also happen from being in the sun for long periods of time without sunscreen. 

How will the skin feel and look while the burn heals? Burned skin may itch and feel tight as it heals. The blisters may break open and the area may look wet with a bright pink or cherry red color. A scar may develop if the burn was deep. The healing skin is more sensitive to the sun, so it's important to protect it with clothing or sunscreen when your child goes outside.

What can help prevent burns?

• Keep hot liquids, matches, lighters, and lit candles out of kids' reach.
• Set the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F (49°C), use the "low-medium" setting, or install an anti-scald device. Always test bath water with your wrist or elbow before putting your child in the bath.
• Turn pot handles away from the stove's edge while cooking.
• Always supervise children when they cook, even when using the microwave.
• Never hold a baby or small child while you're cooking or while drinking hot beverages.
• Test all heated drinks and foods before serving them.
• Use safety covers for electrical outlets and keep electrical wires out of reach.
• Apply sunscreen before children go outside.
• Store chemicals like bleach and drain cleaner away from kids. Keep batteries out of reach.