Depending on the cause of your burn can impact the severity of it. There are many different causes of burns, and it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and burns can be unavoidable. Knowing what type of burn can be treated at AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst, however, can save you time, money and get you feeling better fast.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst for any second degree burn that is smaller than 3 inches. Anything more severe must be treated quickly at a hospital. Our center can help treat all conditions that are not life-threatening.
Burn Causes
During the summer, it’s more common to get a burn from an open flame or a grill. Burns can also be caused by friction. This is often similar to a heat burn and scrape. Car accidents are the most common reason for friction burns.
Burns from steam, hot objects, and scalding liquids are all considered thermal burns. Strong acids, detergents, or chemicals can cause chemical burns. You can also get burns from an electrical current or a cold burn, which is considered frostbite.
First Degree Burns
First-degree burns only impact the top layer of skin. Typically, no blisters form and there is no long term damage. The skin may be red and warm to the touch. Most sunburns are considered first-degree burns.
Second Degree Burns
The top two layers of skin are impacted with second-degree burns. The skin is still red and painful, but it may look wet or shiny. Blisters will form at this stage, and it will be painful to touch.
Superficial second-degree burns often won’t cause any long-term damage or scarring, but deeper burns may cause scarring or a permanent change to the color of the skin.
Third & Forth Degree Burns
With third-degree burns, the top two layers of skin are destroyed. The skin may appear black, brown, or yellow instead of red. Third-degree burns will not hurt, as the nerves are completely damaged, but the area may swell. Third-degree burns may also be referred to as full-thickness burns.
Forth-degree burns are the most severe type of burn and they can be life-threatening. Forth degree burns destroy all layers of skin, and can also impact the muscle, tendon, or bone underneath.
Third and forth degree burns require emergency medical care in order to heal properly. Without treatment, they can be life-threatening, cause irreparable damage, or they can lead to further complications. All burns can develop into more severe burns if left untreated.
