Second-degree burns generally require three to four weeks to heal. The healing time for burn wounds depends on the depth of the burn. Second-degree burns include both superficial partial-thickness and deep partial-thickness burns.

Superficial partial-thickness burns involve blistering of the upper dermis. The blisters are relatively full, and the base of the wound is red and moist with substantial exudation. There is significant swelling and severe pain. Under non-infected conditions, superficial partial-thickness burns generally heal within two weeks without scarring.

Deep partial-thickness burns affect the deeper layer of the dermis. Blistering in this case tends to be relatively flat, and the base of the wound appears red and white, sometimes showing a net-like pattern of vessel thrombosis. These wounds have less elasticity and the pain is less intense. Deep partial-thickness burns generally take three to four weeks to heal and leave scars. Therefore, formal anti-scarring treatment is required after healing of a deep partial-thickness burn.