Burn Treatment in Magnolia & Vintage Park, TX
Burns are common injuries. Whether you were scalded by hot coffee, touched your glass cooktop before it cooled, mishandled a flame, or spent too much time in the sun, you’re probably in pain. But burns can vary widely in severity, and you may not require emergency treatment.
To help you determine what type of burn treatment you need, the experienced providers at Medella Urgent Care in Magnolia and Vintage Park, Texas, offer the following information:
First-Degree (Superficial) Burns
The least severe type of burn, a first-degree burn affects only the thin, outer layer of skin, causing it to become tender, red, and swollen. Most superficial burns heal within about a week and can be managed with home remedies in the meantime. For instance, you can treat a mild sunburn by gently applying aloe vera gel and cool compresses and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed. As your burned skin heals, it may peel, flake, or change color.
Second-Degree (Partial-Thickness) Burns
More serious than a first-degree burn, a second-degree burn affects the thick, inner layer of skin. In addition to redness and swelling, a partial-thickness burn may cause blistering and moderate to severe pain, both of which warrant prompt medical attention. In addition to pain management techniques, a provider at Medella Urgent Care may prescribe an antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection. It may take a few weeks for your burn to completely heal.
Third-Degree (Full-Thickness) Burns
The most serious type of burn, a third-degree burn fully penetrates the skin and damages the underlying tissues, such as muscles, fat, nerves, or bones. The burned skin may look blackened and charred or whitened and leathery. Also, while the pain may be excruciating, nerve damage can create a deceiving numbing effect. In either case, a third-degree burn is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment at the nearest hospital ER.
Unsure About the Seriousness of a Burn? Ask a Medical Provider
Sometimes, it can be difficult to judge the severity of a burn without professional help. Also, keep in mind that burns are dynamic injuries, which means that lingering heat can continue to penetrate and damage your skin and other tissues. For these reasons, it’s always a good idea to seek medical attention for a burn.
Whether you need burn treatment or another non-emergency urgent care service, the experienced and friendly team at Medella Urgent Care is available every day to provide the personalized medical attention you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.
