Expert answer:
The healing time of a burn depends on the degree of depth of the lesion:
- 1st degree burn (it only affects the epidermis - the most superficial layer of the skin): It does not get scarred and it takes about 4 days to heal;
- 2nd degree burn (also reaches the dermis - skin layer just below the epidermis): Between 14 and 30 days to heal;
- 3rd degree burn (it reaches all layers of the skin and can reach the bone): It can take up to a year to heal and cause serious deformities.
The best way to accelerate healing of the burn is preventing the wound from becoming infected. For this, the burn should receive appropriate treatment from the start.
The first thing you can do in case of a burn is soak the burned area in cold water for several minutes, because it limits the extent of the burn and calms the pain. Do not put toothpaste or butter on the burn!
The following is go to an emergency room to assess the degree of depth of the burn.
Deep 2nd and 3rd degree burns require constant monitoring of a dermatologist, preferably with experience in the treatment of burns.
