Burns can be serious and even life-threatening injuries that require immediate medical attention. Victims may require specialized care from a burn center, depending on the severity. Still, for mild to moderate burns, urgent care offices like our AlphaMeD locations are the best route to provide the necessary care and treatment. This blog post will explore the types of burns, the symptoms that require urgent care, and the treatment you can expect at an urgent care center.
Types of Burns
Burns are classified into four categories: first-degree, second-degree, third-degree, and fourth-degree. First-degree burns are the least severe and involve only the outer layer of skin, resulting in redness, pain, and slight swelling. Second-degree burns are more serious, damaging the outer and inner layers of skin, resulting in redness, blisters, and swelling. Third-degree burns are the most serious and involve all layers of skin and underlying tissue. They often result in charred or white skin and may not be painful due to extensive nerve damage. Fourth-degree burns are the most severe and involve the skin, underlying tissue, muscle, and even bone.
Symptoms Requiring Urgent Care
People can treat most minor burns with cool compresses or aloe vera at home. However, if the burn is more severe and involves a large body area, it is vital to seek medical attention. Other symptoms that require urgent care include:
- Burns that cause the skin to blister or swell
- Burns that cause a change in the skin’s color
- Burns that cause pain lasting longer than two hours
- Burns on the face, hands, feet, or genitals
- Chemical or electrical burns
Treatment at an Urgent Care Center
You can expect to receive treatment for minor to moderate burns at any of our urgent care locations. The provider will assess the burn, provide medical advice, and may prescribe medications for pain relief. If necessary, the provider may also refer you to a burn center for further treatment.
The treatment for a burn usually involves:
- Cleaning and dressing the wound
- Applying topical medications
- Administering oral medications
- Administering fluids, if necessary
- Providing wound care instructions
Conclusion
In conclusion, burns can be serious and life-threatening injuries requiring immediate medical attention. Depending on the severity, victims may require specialized care from a burn center, but mild to moderate burns can be treated effectively at an urgent care center like AlphaMeD. It is important to understand the types of burns and symptoms that require medical attention and to follow the treatment plan prescribed by the provider. With the proper care, most burn victims can make a full recovery.
