Second-degree burns are injuries to the skin caused by heat, radiation, electricity, chemicals, or friction. A deep second-degree burn injures the top layer of skin (epidermis) and the tissue below the skin (dermis). This type of burn is also called a deep partial-thickness burn.

After an injury, this type of burn may not cause much pain. Instead, it may cause a feeling of pressure. With this burn, the skin looks spotted, stays white when pressed, may look waxy in some areas, and is dry or slightly moist. The risk of infection is an important concern with these burns.