Advances in the Management of Second-Degree Burns: A Comprehensive Review of Treatment Modalities, Complications, and Demographic Insights
Main Article Content
Abstract
Second-degree burns, or partial-thickness burns, involve damage to the epidermis and part of the dermis, posing significant challenges in wound healing and infection prevention. This review explores the latest advancements in the management of second-degree burns, focusing on evidence-based treatment modalities such as topical antimicrobial agents, collagenase ointment, advanced dressings, and innovative therapies like allogeneic cord blood platelet gel and cultured keratinocytes. These treatments aim to promote healing, minimize scarring, and reduce complications such as infection and pigmentation changes. Additionally, the review highlights the demographic patterns of second-degree burns, emphasizing the vulnerability of pediatric populations and young adult males to scald and flame injuries. By synthesizing current literature, this review underscores the importance of individualized treatment plans, early referral to burn specialists, and targeted prevention strategies to improve patient outcomes. The findings suggest that integrating advanced therapies and improving access to care are critical to addressing the global burden of second-degree burns and enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals.
Article Details

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
I. Silver Sulfadiazine (SSD). Label via DailyMed. Food and Drug Administration. Updated date: 2012-08-15.
II. Xie S, Han J, Xie W, et al. Comparing Collagenase and Silver Sulfadiazine in Deep Second-Degree Burn Treatment. Archives of Dermatological Research. 2024;316(7):417. doi:10.1007/s00403-024-03007-y.
III. Blome-Eberwein SA, Amani H, Lozano DD, et al. A Bio-Degradable Synthetic Membrane to Treat Superficial and Deep Second Degree Burn Wounds in Adults and Children - 4 Year Experience. Burns. 2021;47(4):838-846. doi:10.1016/j.burns.2020.08.008.
IV. Nilforoushzadeh MA, Torkamaniha E, Dahmardehei M, et al. Treatment of Superficial and Deep Partial Width Second Degree Burn's Wound With Allogeneic Cord Blood Platelet Gel. Skin Research and Technology. 2023;29(9):e13471 . doi:10.1111/srt.13471.
V. Kim EH, Lee SH. Efficacy of Cultured Allogenic Keratinocytes in Treatment of Deep Second-Degree Burn. Journal of Burn Care & Research. 2021;42(3):533-537. doi:10.1093/jbcr/iraa191.
VI. Jozsa G, Vajda P, Garami A, Csenkey A, Juhasz Z. Treatment of Partial Thickness Hand Burn Injuries in Children With Combination of Silver Foam Dressing and Zinc-Hyaluronic Gel: Case Reports. Medicine. 2018;97(13):e9991 . doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000009991.
VII. Palmieri TL, Greenhalgh DG. Topical Treatment of Pediatric Patients With Burns: A Practical Guide. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2002;3(8):529-534. doi:10.2165/00128071-200203080-00003.
VIII. Orbay H, Ziembicki JA, Yassin M, Egro FM. Prevention and Management of Wound Infections in Burn Patients. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2024;51(2):255-265. doi:10.1016/j.cps.2023.11.003.
IX. Lanham JS, Nelson NK, Hendren B, Jordan TS. Outpatient Burn Care: Prevention and Treatment. American Family Physician. 2020;101(8):463-470.
X. Coccolini F, Sartelli M, Sawyer R, et al. Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Trauma: Global Alliance for Infection in Surgery, Surgical Infection Society Europe, World Surgical Infection Society, American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, and World Society of Emergency Surgery Guidelines. The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery. 2024;96(4):674-682. doi:10.1097/TA.0000000000004233.
XI. Erdogan H, Sencan A. Analysis of the Epidemiological Features and Treatment Results of Burn Injuries in a Burn Center in Turkey. Journal of Burn Care & Research. 2024;45(1):169-179. doi:10.1093/jbcr/irad119.
XII. Li H, Yao Z, Tan J, et al. Epidemiology and Outcome Analysis of 6325 Burn Patients: A Five-Year Retrospective Study in a Major Burn Center in Southwest China. Scientific Reports. 2017;7:46066. doi:10.1038/srep46066.
XIII. Lee CJ, Mahendraraj K, Houng A, et al. Pediatric Burns: A Single Institution Retrospective Review of Incidence, Etiology, and Outcomes in 2273 Burn Patients (1995-2013). Journal of Burn Care & Research. 2016;37(6):e579-e585 . doi:10.1097/BCR.0000000000000362.
XIV. Kalantar Motamedi MH, Heydari M, Heydari M, Ebrahimi A. Prevalence and Pattern of Facial Burns: A 5-Year Assessment of 808 Patients. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2015;73(4):676-682. doi:10.1016/j.joms.2014.11.015.