When you get a burn, there is a possibility that it could get infected. It is certainly going to be painful, and it needs to be treated properly right away for best results. Getting it treated quickly will help it to heal faster without an infection. Minor burns need to be treated as well as major ones.

When a Burn Is Considered Minor

There are several criteria for what is considered to be a burn that is minor. Major burns are considered as burns that are larger than three inches across, and they are deeper than just the first layer of skin. When a burn occurs on certain locations of the body, medical attention should be sought right away. This includes the face, hand, wrist, foot, hip, groin, knee, ankle, shoulder, or elbow. Burns on infants or seniors also need medical care.

Other types of burns should also be considered to be major, depending on the source. Burns that were caused by a fire, electricity, or by chemicals need medical care right away.

Things Not to Do for a Burn

One of the first things you should do for minor burns is to cool it down. It is important to use water that is cool and not ice. Ice can cause further damage. If the burn is caused by chemicals, hold the burned area under cool water to remove the chemicals and to help relieve the pain. Use a wet cloth if running water is not available.

Wash it gently with soap and water. If there are any blisters, do not break them. An ointment may be put on the burn, such as Aloe Vera or petroleum jelly. Do not put a cream, oil, egg white, cortisone, butter, or lotion on it.

Place sterile gauze on it that is non-stick. Do not wrap it tightly, or use any material – such as cotton balls – that can shed fibers.

When to Contact a Doctor

Getting a burn may mean that you need to get a booster shot. You should get one if you have not had one in the past five years. Other indications that you should contact a doctor include:

  • Swelling
  • Pus or oozing
  • Fever
  • A red streak from the burn
  • An increase in pain
  • Swollen lymph nodes.

Preventing Burns

Several steps can be taken to help prevent burns. They include:

  • Make sure that your fire and smoke detectors are working.
  • Keep your water heater temperature below 120 degrees.
  • Make sure that your matches and lighters are locked away from children.
  • Keep children out of the kitchen when cooking.
  • Put chemicals out of the reach of children.

The Doctors

At the Silver Star Urgent Care clinic, the doctors are all Board-certified. Some of them have specialized in various medical fields, and together, they can treat most anything. The only thing they cannot treat is life-threatening emergencies. Some of them have also worked in hospital emergency rooms.

The Silver Star Urgent Care clinic is able to treat minor burns. Patients are seen quickly by medical professionals that care, and will not have a long waiting period as you might experience in a hospital emergency room. Our clinic stays open late every day, opening at 8:00 am and closing at 8:00 pm.

Contact info

228 Beach 20th Street Far Rockaway, NY 11691

(516) 750-0252

info@SilverStarUrgentCare.com