With the weather cooling down and the holidays just around the corner, burns become much more common injuries. Burns can be painful and healing a burn often is a slow process. Learn about burn safety and when to seek treatment at urgent care for burns.
When to Seek Urgent Care for Burns
Burns can occur in many different ways. Whether it is from trying to light a candle, using a hair straightener, cooking, or tending to an open fire, all burns have one thing in common - they hurt. Burns can range from a minor, surface-level burn to a very severe injury that could require advanced medical care. It is important to understand when to seek medical treatment for a burn to ensure proper healing and prevent scarring and infections.
There are multiple different categories of burns that you should be aware of. These include:
First Degree: First-degree burns are the most minor classification of burns. They only impact the very outer layer of skin and often cause minor symptoms like pain at the burn site and redness and/or swelling. These burns often do not require medical treatment.
Second Degree: These burns affect the outer and inner layers of skin. They often cause blistering and cause swelling and pain. Due to the blisters, these burns are prone to infection.
Third Degree: Third-degree burns are serious injuries. You should seek immediate medical care in the emergency room if you think you may have a third-degree burn. These burns often don’t hurt at the burn site immediately because of the nerve damage, but your skin may appear charred or discolored.
You should seek medical attention for a burn if:
- The burn is on a joint
- It is an electric or chemical burn
- The blister that forms is larger than a quarter
- The burn is in a delicate area such as the face
- The burn becomes infected
If your burn is in a sensitive area, or over a joint, medical professionals can help ensure proper immobilization and treatment occurs so that your burn is able to heal correctly.
Burn Treatment Options at Urgent Care
Although minor burns can be treated at home, burns that blister are extremely prone to infection and should be seen by a medical professional for proper treatment. With proper treatment, minor burns often leave minimal scarring and heal within 1-2 weeks. However, your medical provider can advise on proper care instructions for your specific injury.
If your burn is minor, there are several strategies that you can implement at home to encourage burn healing. Soaking your burn in cold water for a few minutes can help the skin cool down and reduce swelling and pain. Make sure you don’t apply ice to a burn, as it can damage the affected skin further. You can apply aloe to the burn site to help soothe the affected skin and take over-the-counter pain medications to control the discomfort. If these steps are not alleviating your symptoms, you should seek medical care.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Burlington for Minor Burn Treatment Near Woburn, MA
If you have suffered a burn, seeking medical care is the best way to ensure that your injury heals properly. AFC Urgent Care Burlington is available 7 days a week for minor burn treatment on a walk-in basis for patients in Burlington, MA, and the surrounding communities. We never require an appointment for same-day medical care. Simply walk into the clinic, or schedule your visit online.
We accept most medical insurance plans and offer low-cost care options. Our medical professionals are board-certified and ready to help you get on the road to recovery, simply walk into our clinic today for fast and reliable medical care. If you have any additional questions regarding our clinic, please contact us directly by calling (781) 270-4700.
