Minor Burns

How Can You Cope with a Minor Burn?

Most superficial dermal burns are minor injuries that you can take care of at home by rinsing the skin with cool water as soon as possible. If the skin becomes red or peels, then you can wash the injury with soap and water along with applying a numbing cream or an antibiotic ointment. It is also possible to experience dangerous sunburns from long-term sun exposure. You will rarely experience severe burns that damage the deeper tissues, but if you do, then you must seek medical treatment from a physician at an urgent care center.

When Should You Seek Emergency Treatment?

Deeper burns or burns that cover a large amount of your body require prompt attention to avoid serious side effects such as going into shock or developing inflammation. For major burns, you should call paramedics for emergency assistance. However, if you have a minor burn that becomes a more serious issue later or if a burn doesn’t begin to heal or becomes infected, then seek help from a physician who can prescribe oral antibiotics.

How Can You Burn Your Nose, Face, or Head?

Additional reasons for seeking help from a physician include having a burn on certain areas of the body. If a burn occurs anywhere on the head, face, or neck, then you should see a physician for treatment to avoid having a scar from the injury. Burns near the eyes, mouth or nose are especially dangerous. It is possible to burn the interior areas of your body with hot liquids such as coffee or soup, and these injuries require treatment. Sun exposure without protective lotions or creams can lead to sunburned skin on the lips, eyelids, and other delicate tissues.

The Pain from Burns Should Stop within Two Days

In addition, young children require professional treatment for any type of burn. If you receive electrical burns, then you should have an examination to determine if the electrical shock has caused any side effects inside your body. Many individuals burn their scalps or necks with hairstyling equipment such as curling irons or hair dryers. You may also burn your hands or fingers while cooking inside or outside your home. The pain from burns will normally disappear in 48 hours or less, so if you continue to feel any discomfort, then contact a physician for medical attention and medication for pain relief.

Come into WellCare

If you have sustained a recent major burn then come into WellCare Urgent Care. Second and third-degree burns can lead to further damage and problems when left untreated. Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention when getting a burn. The team at WellCare in Grand Rapids will treat the burn and help it heal properly. You can book a same-day appointment at our Cascade and Leonard locations through our online system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do minor burns hurt so much? Superficial dermal burns are initially painful. This is because, without the protective covering of the epidermis, nerve endings are exposed. How do you get minor burns? A minor burn can occur due to any source of heat, including hot liquids, hot surfaces, chemicals, the sun, or fire. What do minor burns look like? minor burns usually appear as dry, discolored areas of skin. Burns on light skin tones will appear pink or red, while they may appear reddish-brown on darker skin tones. What is a minor burn called? A minor burn is also called a first-degree burn. Should you cover a burn or let it breathe? Burns are considered open wounds, so you should cover them to keep the wound free of harmful bacteria.