Minor burns
Minor burns typically encompass the range of smaller burns categorized by redness, swelling and topical pain. If your burn is larger in nature and has caused loss of skin layers, appearing blackened, charred or white, please seek immediate emergency care.
Advanced burn care
Our clinics offer support for your burns and can help you decide if an emergency room (ER) visit is necessary.
In the event of a burn, our specialists at CareNow® urgent care centers use their expertise to create an individualized treatment plan for you. They can then use advanced medical equipment to help you start to heal.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Minor and emergency burns
If your burns aren’t healing or are showing signs of infection, we can provide the treatments you need.
Causes of burns and their effects
The most common causes of burns are heat and sunlight, though chemicals, electricity and radiation can also cause severe damage. Burns are one of the leading types of childhood injuries.
A third-degree burn will injure every layer of your skin. Your muscles, fat, major organs and even bones may be affected. These types of burns are emergencies and should be seen immediately by trained medical professionals.
Minor burn care
Our clinics can diagnose and treat your minor burns, though many minor burns can be treated at home. These include household burns or burns caused by heat or sunlight.
Do not use ice, butter or grease on burns. Never break the blisters over a burn.
Minor burns caused by heat can be treated by:
- Applying a cool compress until the pain subsides
- Removing the heat source and any burned clothing (unless embedded in the burn)
- Soaking in cool – not cold – water to pull the heat away from the burned skin
- Staying hydrated to prevent dehydration
- Taking mild pain relievers to help with pain and swelling
- Using antibiotic cream and a clean bandage
- Using a skin product that heals skin, like aloe vera
Emergency burn care
If you have chemical, electrical, severe radiation or third-degree burns, call 911 immediately.
Severe burn symptoms
Seek medical care if a minor burn produces any of the following symptoms:
- Blistering filled with greenish or brownish fluid
- Excessive swelling
- Fever
- Foul-smelling drainage
- Hasn't healed in 10 days to two weeks
- Pus
Signs of infection in burns
As they are openings in the skin, burns are very prone to infection. Your burn may be infected if it has any of these symptoms:
- Burn extends deeper into the skin
- Change in color in the burned area or surrounding skin
- Green discharge or pus
- Fever
- Purple coloring, especially if swelling is also present