How many days does exudate last after a burn injury?
Nov 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
The duration of exudation after burns varies depending on the depth of the injury. For superficial second-degree burns, exudation typically lasts 3–5 days; for deep second-degree burns, it may last 5–7 days. In third-degree burns, although exudation is less due to full-thickness skin damage, the condition is more severe. If a burn occurs, seek medical treatment at a hospital promptly. Superficial second-degree burns involve damage to the epidermis and part of the superficial dermis.
The duration of exudation after burns varies depending on the depth of the injury. For superficial second-degree burns, exudation typically lasts 3–5 days; for deep second-degree burns, it may persist for 5–7 days. In third-degree burns, although the condition is more severe due to full-thickness skin damage, exudation is actually less pronounced. If a burn occurs, seek medical treatment at a hospital promptly.
Superficial second-degree burns affect the epidermis and part of the upper dermis. The wound appears significantly red and swollen, with blisters of varying sizes. The exudate is mostly clear fluid, which gradually decreases after 3–5 days as the wound begins to dry and form a scab. With proper care, healing usually takes about two weeks.
Deep second-degree burns involve the deeper layers of the dermis. The wound shows less obvious redness and swelling but feels firmer, with smaller blisters containing cloudy fluid. Exudation lasts longer, only gradually decreasing after 5–7 days. Healing takes 3–4 weeks and is prone to leave scars. In third-degree burns, the wound surface appears pale or charred black; because of full-thickness skin necrosis, there is little noticeable exudation, requiring professional medical intervention.
Daily care should focus on keeping the wound clean and dry, gently covering it with sterile gauze, avoiding friction or pressure on the wound, applying burn ointment as directed, monitoring changes in the color and amount of exudate, and maintaining cleanliness of the surrounding skin to promote smooth wound healing.
