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Burns are injuries to tissue caused by heat, electricity, chemicals or radiation. Serious burns are not only common, but they are one of the most painful injuries a person can endure. The skin generally sustains the brunt of the damage, but severe burns can penetrate to the muscle or bone. Burns can be classified as mild, moderate or severe and treatment for your burn is dependent on a number of factors, including the type, location, severity, age of patient, pre-existing medical conditions, and other injuries associated with the burn injury. First degree burns involve only the outer layer of skin. Second degree burns appear swollen and blistered because several layers of the skin have been burned. Third degree burns are the most severe, in which all layers and perhaps underlying tissue has been burned. The decision to get to urgent care in Lewisville or an emergency room made in the minutes immediately following a burn injury can improve the outcome of the patient and even save a life. Caring for Minor Burns First-degree burns are the mildest of the three burns, and only the outer layer of skin is harmed. Second-degree burns that involve less than 10% of the body surface are generally classified as minor as well. Redness, pain and inflammation may occur. First degree burns can usually be treated at home with cool water, aloe vera cream and gauze. When your burn covers a large amount of skin, then visiting your Lewisville urgent care center is recommended. For minor burns, carefully clean the affected area daily as burns are prone to infection. If pain and swelling persist or your notice signs of infection, visit your Lewisville urgent care center right away. Any change in the appearance of a burn or your general well being should be brought to the attention of a doctor. When to Seek Medical Attention While minor burns can usually be treated at home, all other burns require immediate medical attention because of the risk of infection, dehydration, and other potentially serious complications. Moderate to severe burns can include burns that are larger than the size of a palm, chemical and electrical burns, burns involving large portions of the eyes, ears, face, hands and feet, or burns that are grey, white or leathery in appearance. Blisters may develop and the skin can take on an intense red appearance. The most severe third degree burns can result in excruciating pain, or if nerve damage is substantial, no pain at all. These burns will require emergency medical attention right away. Urgent care is never a substitute for emergency care if your burn is life threatening. You should use a hospital's emergency department for very serious or life-threatening problems. Generally, even the most serious burns will successfully heal by scabbing over the burned area, regenerating skin tissue, and allowing healthy skin to grow back. It may take several weeks for severe burns to completely recover. Assessing the severity and depth of your burn can be difficult. If you have any doubts concerning damage to your skin, then always treat it as a severe burn and seek immediate medical attention.
Doing so can help prevent scarring, disability, deformity and other serious health complications. More than two million people in the United States require medical treatment for burns each year. Burns are common, and while minor burns can generally be treated from home, it's generally best to seek medical attention from your urgent care center- or emergency room when life threatening.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Zahaluk of Main Street Urgent Care, a leading urgent care doctor in Lewisville. From lacerations and burns to fractures and minor emergencies, Dr. Zahaluk offers quality, affordable urgent care treatment in Lewisville for patients of every age.
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