The skin, the body's largest organ, loses its protective ability when damage such as a burn affects the top layers. About 2 million people receive medical treatment each year for burns, according to Merck Manuals. Burns most often cause complications in the young and the elderly; both groups have delicate, easily damaged skin. Blistering indicates a more severe burn than skin that just reddens.
Classification
Simple burns, often called first-degree burns, affect only the top layer of skin. While reddened, the skin remains intact. Burns that extend to the middle layer are called partial-thickness burns or second-degree burns. Second-degree burns cause blistering. They can be further subdivided into superficial or deep, with deep affecting the deeper layer of the dermis, the Merck Manuals explain.
Burns are also classified as mild, moderate or severe. Blistering burns covering less than 10 percent of the body are considered mild, while any burns on the face, hands, feet or genitals or blistering burns affecting more than 10 percent of the body are classified as moderate or severe, according to the Merck Manuals.
Causes
Flame, caustic chemicals, liquids and sun exposure can all cause second-degree burns. Radiation and electrical contact can also cause blistering burns.
Symptoms
Blistering burns cause significant pain. They often appear moist because fluid may ooze from the blisters, according to Family Education, an online resource for parents, teachers and children. Large second-degree burns can cause rapid pulse rate, nausea or vomiting, clammy skin and even shock.
Treatment
Cooling the blistered burn to prevent further damage is the first step in treatment. If the blisters aren't broken, remove any clothing that's holding in heat and place a large burned area in cold water for 10 minutes, if possible. If the area can't be submerged in water, cool it with continued applications of cold water from a bucket or hose, Family Education advises.
If blisters are broken, don't run cold water over them, the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center warns, because this may increase the risk of shock. If a burn is major, place a light covering over it until medical personnel arrive. A minor burn simply needs a sterile covering. Do not apply ointment, butter or any other substance to the burn.
Complications
While superficial second-degree burns normally heal without scarring, deep blistering burns can leave scars. Infection can affect a blistered burn because of the loss of skin protection. Keeping the burn clean is essential to prevent infection. Blistering burns larger than 2 to 3 inches require medical attention, the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center advises.
