Burns are a common injury that can range from mild pain to severe trauma requiring urgent care treatment. Learning how to prevent burns and manage them can help protect you from injury. At WellCare Urgent Care, we want you to have the knowledge and resources to handle burns safely and seek professional care when necessary.
How to Prevent Burns
Preventing burns starts with awareness and caution in everyday activities. Many common burns are caused while in the kitchen. It is important that while you are cooking, you keep pot handles turned inward, use oven mitts when handling hot dishes, and keep children away from stovetops and open flames. Hot liquids, such as coffee or soup, should be handled carefully to avoid spills.
For burn prevention we recommend that you adjust your water heater to a safe temperature close to 120°F to prevent scalding water injuries. If you use space heaters, place them at least three feet away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended while on. Electrical safety is also important to manage in order to avoid electrical burns. We recommend that you avoid overloading outlets, replace old wires, and use outlet covers in homes with young children.
First Aid for Burns
Knowing how to respond to burn injuries is important. The severity of a burn is categorized as first-degree, which affects only the outer layer of skin; second-degree, which damages deeper skin layers; or third-degree burns, which affect all skin layers and the underlying tissues. For minor burns, immediate first aid involves cooling the area under cool water for 10-15 minutes to reduce heat and alleviate pain. Avoid using ice, as it can cause further tissue damage. Applying aloe vera to the burned area can help soothe and protect the skin while it heals or applying a burn band aid to cover the burn and hide underlying burns from external irritants. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can also aid in managing any pain or discomfort.
When to Seek Medical Attention
For more severe burns, medical attention is necessary. Signs that indicate a need for urgent care include burned skin that covers a large area, involves the face, hands, feet, or joints, or appears deep. A medical professional should always evaluate burns caused by chemicals, electricity, or hot grease. At WellCare Urgent Care, we treat burns, including wound assessment, pain management, and infection prevention. If you or a family member experiences a burn that seems serious or is not healing properly, seeking medical care can prevent complications and promote recovery.
Schedule an Appointment
If you need immediate medical attention for a burn or another injury in Grand Rapids, Michigan, WellCare Urgent Care is here to provide prompt care to help you heal safely and comfortably. Fill out our online contact form to get ahold of us today.
