At Shriners Children’s, our team of burn care specialists treats all types of burns, from superficial injuries to large burns requiring an intensive level of care.
What is a second-degree burn?
A second-degree burn, or partial thickness burn, destroys the top and middle layers of the skin. In most cases, a partial thickness second-degree burn happens when skin touches a hot object or liquid, flames, chemicals or electricity. These burns are serious and painful, and they can leave parents desperate to find relief and expert care for their child. At Shriners Children’s our team of burn care specialists has been treating children with burn injuries for over 50 years. They will guide your family throughout the entirety of your child’s care, rehabilitation and recovery.
A second-degree burn will appear as moist and oozing, with patchy pink and white coloring, often with blisters. Healing time varies depending on just how deep the burn goes into the skin layers. Proper assessment of any burn is very important. Burns are almost never uniform in depth. The thickness of a person’s skin varies so a burn may be a second-degree burn in one area and a third-degree burn in another. Very young children have thinner skin overall, so an injury that seems superficial could be more serious than first thought. Estimating the burn degree in the first few days after an injury is difficult because the depth actually changes (usually getting deeper). Deeper burns may require surgery. If the burn injuries leave a scar, your child will have access to the latest technologies in laser treatments to minimize the size and appearance of the scar.
Be reassured that if your child suffers a burn, the team at Shriners Children's is prepared to care for them immediately following the injury and over time. All the specialists your child may need will be available when you come for care. Your child’s surgeons, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and care managers understand the concerns of children and parents navigating this journey.
Your child's care team may recommend pressure garment therapy to help manage scars caused by the burn injury. Pressure garments can help enhance the skin's appearance and improve mobility.
At Shriners Children's our make-up clinic specialists teach your child how to conceal scars and use make-up to soften their appearance. This helps build self-confidence during the healing process.
With the most innovative treatments available, the team at Shriners Children's will care for your child throughout the duration of their recovery.
Shriners Children's Burn Care Accreditation
Three Shriners Children's locations providing burn care are accredited by the American Burn Association (ABA) and the American College of Surgeons (ACS) as verified pediatric burn centers.
We have a strong connection to and history with the ABA. All of the Shriners Children's burn care chiefs of staff at the above locations have been presidents of the ABA. These distinctions display the depth of the burn care support services we provide, as well as the vast amounts of research we lead on behalf of our patients and children around the world who’ve been burned.
Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.
