Burns
Common household injuries like minor burns can be treated at home with a simple burn cream. Second-degree or more significant burns require care at Amelia Express Care or from another licensed medical professional. Avoid home remedies such as butter and other household products that may actually worsen, rather than remedy, a burn.
Third or fourth degree burns require immediate emergency medical attention. Call 9-1-1.
Burn Care
Wondering what to put on a burn or what helps burns heal? How to care for burns depends on many factors. Treatment for chemical and electrical burns should always include a medical professional. These types of burns can produce internal damage with no external signs.
Types Of Burns
First Degree: Expect mild redness, swelling, pain, and peeling of the skin, but no blistering. Most sunburns fall into this category. First-degree burns can usually be safely treated at home with topical burn creams, if you’re up to date on your tetanus booster. Visit Amelia Express Care for larger burn areas, if a booster is required, or if you’re unable to treat the burn yourself.
Second-Degree Burns: Expect some blistering and thickening of the skin. Proper cleaning, bandaging, and follow-up care are necessary. Consult an Amelia Express Care provider.
Third-Degree Burns: These cause widespread skin thickening and may appear white and leathery. Blisters may not fully develop. Seek immediate medical attention.
Fourth-Degree Burns: These damage not only the skin, but also the nerves, tendons, and bones underneath. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
First Degree Burns
Soak in cool water for five minutes and use loose gauze to cover. You can also put antibiotic ointments and anesthetic creams on these burns. Do not use ice or cotton balls in the treatment of burns. These can do further damage. Also, do not use home remedies such as butter. These can worsen the effects of a burn.
If a first degree burn doesn’t heal or shows signs of infection, visit Amelia Express Care.
Second Degree Burns
Deeper second-degree burns cause blistering. These burns take longer to heal and can be delicate. Keep the area covered and clean to prevent infection.
If the burn covers a wide or sensitive area, visit Amelia Express Care. Once the burn has healed, use sunscreen to protect the delicate new skin. This will lessen the scar and reduce your risk of developing malignant changes.
Third Degree Burns
Third-degree burn victims may feel no pain due to nerve damage, but these burns are extremely serious. Always consult a medical professional to assure proper healing of the burn.
Call 9-1-1 and keep the burn area raised above the heart. Make sure no clothing is stuck to the skin.
