How Serious Is Your Burn? All you need to know about burns

If you've ever suffered from a burn, you know how incredibly excruciating it is. Burns can occur for various reasons - from scalding hot liquids to contact with fire or flames to overexposure to the sun. 

In some cases, burns are simply a minor annoyance. But in other cases, they can lead to long-term health problems if not correctly treated. 

So, how severe is a burn? Read on to find out more about this common injury and what you can do to minimize the damage.

What is a burn, and what are the different types?

A burn is a damage to the skin caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. There are three different types of burns:

• First-degree burns only involve the outer layer of skin (epidermis). These burns are usually not too severe and heal on their own within a few days.
• Second-degree burns damage the outer layer of skin and underneath (dermis). These burns are more severe and can take weeks or even months to heal. They may also lead to scarring.
• Third-degree burns damage all the layers of skin and may also damage the underlying bone, muscle, and tendons. These burns are the most serious and can require surgery to heal. They often result in permanent scarring.

What are the symptoms of a burn?

The symptoms of a burn depend on the type and severity of the burn. First-degree burns usually cause redness, pain, and swelling. 

Second-degree burns may also cause blistering and some loss of sensation in the affected area. 

Third-degree burns can cause white or charred skin, severe pain, and numbness.

How do you treat a burn?

The treatment for a burn is determined by its type and degree. 

First-degree burns can be treated at home with over-the-counter medication and home remedies. 

Second-degree burns require more aggressive treatment and may need to be seen by a doctor. 

Third-degree burns always require medical attention and may need to be treated in a hospital.

What to do if you or someone else is burned?

If you or someone else has a burn, it's essential to act quickly to minimize the damage. For first-degree burns, hold the affected area under cool water for 10-15 minutes. You can also apply a cool, moist compress to the area. Do not use ice, as this can cause further damage.

For second-degree burns, seek medical attention immediately. For third-degree burns, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Prevention tips for burns

Burns are widespread but can range in severity from minor to life-threatening. It's crucial how to identify and treat different types of burns. 

By understanding more about burns, you can help prevent them from happening in the first place and ensure that you get the proper treatment if you suffer from one. 

Below are some tips to avoid burning.

• Use caution when handling hot liquids, such as coffee or soup. Always test the temperature before taking a sip or picking up a hot pot.
• Never leave children unattended near heat sources, such as stoves, fireplaces, or space heaters.
• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 outdoors, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.
• Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps, which emit harmful ultraviolet rays that can damage the skin.
• Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, when working with chemicals or in other situations where you may be exposed to harmful substances.
• Be extra careful when smoking cigarettes or using fireworks. Never smoke around flammable liquids, and always follow the instructions on fireworks packaging.
• Keep your home and workplace clean and free of clutter to help prevent fires from starting. Regularly check electrical cords and appliances for signs of wear and tear.
• Have a fire safety plan in place of an emergency, and make sure everyone in your family knows what to do. Practice your plan regularly.

When to see a doctor about a burn

You should seek medical attention if you have a burn more significant than 3 inches in diameter or if it covers your face, hands, feet, genitals, or other sensitive areas. 

You should also see a doctor if you have a second-degree burn or if the burn is accompanied by pain, swelling, redness, or blistering. 

Third-degree burns always require medical attention and should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.

When to call 911 or go to the emergency room

If you have a third-degree burn, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You should also go to the emergency room if you have a second-degree burn larger than 3 inches in diameter or if it covers your face, hands, feet, genitals, or other sensitive areas.

If you are unsure whether or not your burn requires medical attention, it's always best to be on the side of caution and seek medical help.

Where to get the best treatment for burns?

We are at Urgent Care and want to be your go-to provider for all your urgent care needs. We offer a wide range of services, including treatment for burns. We have a team of experienced and compassionate physicians who can help you recover from your burn and get back to your life as quickly as possible.

So, if you've been unfortunate enough to sustain a burn, don't worry - we at Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches can help.

Feel free to contact one of our urgent care clinics. We have three convenient locations so you can get the treatment you need as soon as possible:

• Urgent care in Palm Springs
• Urgent care in West Palm Beach
• Urgent care on Palm Beach Gardens

Our urgent care centers also offer vaccinations and tests for various pathogens, including COVID-19 testing and Rapid COVID testing. 

Moreover, we are currently offering free COVID-19 treatment in Florida – Oral COVID medication – Paxlovid & Lagevrio.

Our team is here for you seven days a week, and we offer extended hours so that you can get the care you need as soon as possible. Contact us if needed!

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.