Urgent Care for Minor Burns Treatment Q&A

In the world of medicine, burns are categorized in severity by how deep they penetrate the skin with first-degree burns being the least severe, and third-degree burns typically being considered the highest. First-degree burns only affect the outermost layer of the skin. A first-degree burn may cause redness, and slight swelling to the affected area, however, it is likely to heal without complication within 3 to 6 days. Second-degree burns are classified as mild or moderate burns and are very common. These burns affect the dermis and epidermis layers of skin and may require more treatment than that of a first-degree burn, typically in the form of applying ointment to avoid bacteria from spreading and preventing possible infection. At this level of burn, blistering or skin thickening is common, and it may take anywhere from 1-3 weeks to heal. Third-degree burns are the most serious degree of burn and come with complete damage to both the dermis and epidermis and potentially tissue beneath. In the event of a third-degree burn, the site is described to become white, charred, or leathery. They require immediate medical attention and have a wide range of recovery time as they give way to infections very easily. On top of the number scale to classify burns, you may also hear the terms superficial, partial thickness, and full thickness burns. Superficial burns are synonymous with first-degree burns, partial thickness with second, and full thickness with third.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to immediately know how serious a burn is. This is because the more severe a burn is, the deeper it harms the skin, which is not immediately apparent. However, the coming days following the burn incident will generally provide a clearer picture of how serious a burn really is. Keep in mind that burns are categorized on a first, second, and third-degree scale, with third-degree burns being the most dangerous. First-degree burns only affect the epidermis or the outer layer of skin. If blisters begin to occur on your burn sight, that is a sign of a higher degree burn. Second-degree burns generally want to see treatment if they affect a larger surface area of the body, but while many second-degree burns will not need immediate medical attention, there is no harm in speaking with a doctor to ensure your own safety. Going further, third-degree burns will require immediate medical attention as the entire epidermis and dermis layers are severely harmed or destroyed. Charring of the skin or a white burn sight are signs of these high-degree burns.

If you have encountered an incident that gives reason to believe that you experienced a serious burn injury, it is best to contact medical personnel immediately. Third-degree burns are the most serious type of burn and will require immediate medical assistance. Burns that are the result of chemicals, steam, hot liquids, or electricity can cause this severe category of burns if exposed for long enough. Following an incident, if the burn site has either a white, black, or leathery appearance, along with blistering or pus, this is indicative of a third-degree burn needing immediate medical attention.

Burn injuries can be treated at a variety of medical centers, however, the best option will depend on the severity of your burn. In the case of a severe burn, such as a third-degree burn, an emergency room or hospital is best prepared to treat it. Additionally, if a burn encloses a large amount of the body it is best to seek immediate medical care at an emergency room or hospital. Second-degree burns are best left in urgent care centers as they are not considered life-threatening, but can have complications if not cared for properly. First-degree burns do not need to see professional medical care and will heal fairly quickly on their own.
 
We at Priority Urgent Care look forward to seeing you in our clinic soon! We are open from Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 7:45 pm and from Saturday through Sunday 09:00 am – 4:45 pm. We serve patients from Ellington CT, Unionville CT, East Haven CT, Cromwell CT, Oxford, CT and Newington, CT, and BEYOND!