Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and it’s not always clear what to do next. Whether it’s a splash of hot coffee or a barbecue grill that was in the wrong place at the wrong time, minor burns are a common injury that can leave you questioning whether urgent care is the right choice for treatment.
Should you go to urgent care for a minor burn?
Consider the following.
Common Causes of Minor Burns
Minor burns can occur from a variety of everyday activities, which means that no one is immune to the risk.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Spills from boiling water or scalding hot beverages.
- Contact with open flames, such as candles or fireplaces.
- Touching hot metal, like oven racks or car doors in the summer.
- Chemical exposure from household cleaners.
- Overexposure to the sun, leading to sunburn.
How Can I Tell If I’ve Sustained a Minor Burn?
The severity of a burn dictates the symptoms you might experience. Minor burns typically result in:
- Redness and warmth around the affected area.
- Mild to moderate pain, which might not occur immediately.
- Swelling that may develop over time.
- Blistering (common in some first-degree burns and most second-degree burns).
- Changes in skin texture, with possible peeling as the burn heals.>/li>
Understanding the severity of your burn is paramount when determining the best course of action.
- First-degree burns affect only the top layer of skin, leading to redness and pain.
- Second-degree burns damage the outer layer of skin and the layer underneath, causing blisters and more intense pain.
- Third-degree burns penetrate deeper skin layers, potentially affecting nerves and muscles, and can appear white or charred.
If your burn exhibits signs of second or third-degree burns, it is crucial to seek emergency medical care immediately.
Should I Go to Urgent Care for a Minor Burn?
Urgent care is advisable for minor burns that:
- Show signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, or pus.
- Are larger than three inches in diameter and/or cover sensitive areas like the face, hands, feet, or major joints.
- Do not improve – or worsen – within 48 hours.
- Result from chemical exposure or electric shock, regardless of how minor they may seem.
How FirstCall Can Help
At FirstCall Medical Center, our team of physicians can assist with minor burns and offer immediate care whenever necessary.
We offer convenient daily walk-in hours, so treatment won’t be delayed while you’re waiting for an appointment. Additionally, our convenient Maryland locations are furnished with state-of-the-art equipment for on-site diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that your burn is treated according to the latest medical standards.
Our doctors can also offer guidance regarding home care post-treatment to promote healing and prevent infection.
Minor burns are sometimes a painful reminder of everyday hazards, but knowing when and where to seek treatment can make all the difference in your recovery.
FirstCall Medical Center provides the expertise and resources needed to address minor burns effectively, helping you heal faster and with less discomfort. Remember, if you’re ever in doubt about the severity of a burn, our doors are open to offer the care and reassurance you need.
