Burns: Can I Go to Urgent Care for Treatment?
Burns are a common injury with a variety of causes. You may be able to heal from a minor burn without medical attention. However, more extensive, or severe burns require urgent medical care to prevent dangerous complications, including infections or shock. If you or a family member has suffered a burn, our experienced providers at Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care can provide rapid assessment and burn care.
When to Go to Urgent Care for a Burn
In general, you should seek help at urgent care for a burn that is very large, blistered, deeper than your skin, or located on your face or genitals. Understanding the three types of burns, their symptoms, and treatment recommendations can help you determine what to do for a burn.
Types of Burns and Recommendations
First-Degree Burns
A first-degree burn affects the outer layer of the skin and is the least severe type of burn. Your skin will likely turn red but typically doesn’t blister.
You should cool a first-degree burn site by running it under cool water for 10-15 minutes. You may also apply a cool compress to the burned site. These steps will also reduce discomfort and inflammation. Do not apply ice directly to the burn, as this could hurt the tissue.
A first-degree burn can typically be treated at home. Monitor your burn and visit your urgent care provider if your burn isn’t healing, you have ongoing discomfort, or you have any concerns.
Second-Degree Burns
A second-degree burn affects the second layer of skin, the dermis. Your skin will typically blister, ooze, and form a crust at the burn site. This type of burn is more serious than a first-degree burn, is usually more painful, and requires medical attention.
Care for a second-degree burn by running it under cool water for about 20 minutes. Do not use ice on your burn.
After your burn has cooled, apply a non-stick, sterile bandage over your burn to protect it and prevent infection. Visit Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care for rapid burn care. Our providers can assess and treat your burn to ensure it heals without complications.
Third-Degree Burns
A third-degree burn is the most severe type of burn. It extends below the dermis to the fat, muscle, tendon, and even bone. Because nerves may be damaged, a third-degree burn may not be painful initially.
Third-degree burns won’t heal on their own and require emergency medical care. Cover the burn loosely with a non-stick, sterile pad or a clean, damp cloth. Elevating the burn above your heart can reduce swelling and pain. Get to an emergency room immediately for assessment and care.
Causes of Burns
Causes of burns can include:
- Hot surfaces.
- Steam.
- Hot water or other liquids.
- Fire.
- Sunlight (sunburns from UV rays).
- Radiation.
- Chemicals.
- Electricity.
At Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care, our experienced providers will see you quickly and provide excellent care. In addition to burn care, we offer a wide range of services, from wound care to school physicals.
You don’t need an appointment at Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care. If you need rapid, expert medical care, just walk in to one of our locations today. To learn more, call 985.803.8383 for our Thibodaux location, 985.709.0136 for our Houma location, or 985.493.4944 for our Gray location.
