Burns can happen in a split second. They are very common injuries, especially around the holiday season when people are spending more time in the kitchen than usual. It is easy to become distracted and find yourself accidentally grabbing a hot pan with your bare hands. Acting fast and knowing the proper steps to take if you burn yourself can help ensure that you treat your injury effectively and prevent infection.
If you’re in need of rapid treatment for a minor burn, AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch can help. Our walk-in urgent care clinic is open every day, including weekends, for patients in West Long Branch, NJ, and surrounding areas. Walk in today for same-day minor burn treatment - we accept walk-in patients!
Assessing the Severity of a Burn
Burns damage the surface layer of the skin. Depending on how you burned yourself, your burn can range significantly from mild to severe. The severity of your burn will determine whether you can treat your burn at home, or if you should seek medical treatment. There are three main types of burn classifications:
First-Degree Burns:
First-degree burns only affect the surface layer of skin. These burns are very mild, however, they can cause some pain and general discomfort while healing. First-degree burns usually do not require medical treatment and will resolve on their own within a few days. A common example of a first-degree burn is a sunburn.
Second-Degree Burns:
Second-degree burns are more severe than first-degree burns. A second-degree burn affects both the outermost and secondary layers of the skin. Second-degree burns are more severe than first-degree burns and may cause symptoms such as blistering at the burn site. As a result, second-degree burns typically take 1-2 weeks to heal and may require medical treatment to prevent infection.
Third-Degree Burns:
Third-degree burns are severe burns. Third-degree burns affect all of the layers of skin and can sometimes also impact muscles and tendons beneath the skin. Third-degree burns require specialized medical treatment from a burn specialist to heal. Third-degree burns often happen from fires or chemical exposure.
Should You Cover a Burn While It Heals?
Most burns that are caused by touching a hot pan are more severe than a first-degree burn. As a result, it is important to know what to do to reduce the damage from the burn and ensure proper healing. When you first burn yourself, run your burn under room temperature water for 60 seconds. This will stop the burn from spreading. You should cover the burn with a loose anti-stick dressing for the first few days to protect it from dirt and debris during the healing process. Covering the affected area with a layer of petroleum jelly can also help keep the skin hydrated while protecting the injury. If you notice any signs of infection such as redness, pain, swelling, or discharge - seek medical treatment. Similarly, if your burn blisters, you should seek medical treatment to prevent an infection from forming.
Walk Into AFC West Long Branch for Same-Day Minor Burn Care
If you touch a hot pan and burn yourself, AFC West Long Branch is here to help. Our walk-in urgent care clinic is open daily, including on weekends, to provide you with rapid same-day treatment for minor injuries. We never require that you schedule an appointment, simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable rates for patients paying out-of-pocket for their care. Walk-in today!
