There are three primary types of burns: first, second, and third degree burns. Each degree of burn is based on the severity of damage to the skin.
Second degree burns are also referred to as partial thickness burns. These burns are more serious because the damage extends beyond the top layer of skin; with second degree burns, the epidermis and a portion of the dermis is affected. The burn causes the skin to blister; it then becomes red, weepy, and is very painful. Due to the delicate nature of second degree burns, frequent bandaging and antibiotic ointment is required to prevent the wound from becoming infected. Superficial second degree burns heal within two to three weeks. In some severe cases, skin grafting is required to surgically repair the burned skin damage.