How to Treat a Burn

If you’ve been injured and are wondering how to treat a burn, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we will walk you through how to identify the severity of your burn, how to treat a burn at home, and when you should seek medical attention. Burns are one of the most common injuries, so it’s important to know how to properly care for them. Keep reading for more information!

Understanding the Extent of Your Burn

The first step in how to treat a burn is to understand how severe it is. Burns are typically classified into three categories: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree.

First-degree burns are the least serious type of burn. They will cause redness and some minor swelling but usually no blistering. Second-degree burns are more serious and will cause blistering and swelling. Third-degree burns are the most severe type of burn and can cause charring, tissue death, and even amputation in some cases.

If you’re not sure how to identify the severity of your burn, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention.

Types of burns

There are several different types of burns, and each one should be treated differently. The most common types of burns are:

Scalds: Burns from hot liquids or steam
Contact burns: Burns from touching a hot object
Flame burns: Burns from fire or flames
Electrical burns: Burns from electricity
Chemical burns: Burns from a chemical or acid

Burns: First aid

If you’re wondering how to treat a burn at home, the first step is always to cool the area down. You can do this by running cold water over the burn for several minutes or immersing it in a bowl of ice water. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Once the area has been cooled down, cover it with a sterile adhesive bandage or wrap.

If the burn is on a limb, you should also elevate it above the level of the heart. This will help to reduce swelling.

You can give ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain. Do not give aspirin to anyone under 18 years old who has a burn.

Wound Care After Burn Injury

After a burn, the wound should be cleaned and monitored. You can use cool water to clean the wound, but do not scrub it. Gently pat it dry with a soft towel. Apply an antibiotic ointment to a bandage and wrap the bandage around the wound. Change the bandage every day or as needed.

If the wound becomes red, swollen, or oozes fluid, seek medical attention.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Burn

Most minor burns can be treated at home, but there are some cases when you should seek medical attention. You should go to the ER if:

The burn is on a large area of the body
The burn is a deep burn
You have a burn on your face or neck
The burn causes blisters
You have a burn and are feeling lightheaded or dizzy
You have a burn and it’s hard to breathe
The burn is from an electrical source

Emergency Treatment for Burns

If you go to the ER for a burn, you will likely be treated with antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medication. The wound may also be bandaged or wrapped. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat a serious burn.

How do I heal a burn quickly?

There are a few things you can do to help the healing process:

Keep the area clean and dry.
Apply an antibiotic ointment to a bandage and wrap the bandage around the wound. Change the bandage every day or as needed.
Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain.
If the burn is on a limb, elevate it above the level of the heart.
Seek medical attention if the wound becomes red, swollen, or oozes fluid. Surgery may be necessary to treat a serious burn.

With proper care, most burns will heal within a few days to weeks.

Home Remedies for Burns

In addition to seeking medical attention, there are some home remedies that may help the healing process. These include:

Aloe vera: Apply aloe vera gel to the burn to soothe and reduce inflammation.
Honey: Apply honey to the burn to help promote healing.
Coconut oil: Apply coconut oil to the burn to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Yogurt: Apply yogurt to the burn to help soothe and heal it.

While home remedies may offer some relief, they should not be used in place of medical treatment. Always consult a doctor before using any home remedy on a serious burn.

Remedies to stay away from:

There are some remedies that should be avoided, as they may cause further damage to the burn. These include:

Basil leaves: May cause blistering
Vinegar: Can cause irritation and pain
Butter: Can trap heat and increase the risk of infection
Toothpaste: Can irritate the skin and delay healing

If you’re unsure about how to treat a burn remedy, it’s always best to consult a doctor before using it. Burns can be painful and dangerous, so it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. With proper care, most burns will heal within a few days to weeks.

Visit iCare Urgent Care – Treatment for Burns

If you have a major burn, it’s important to seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible. iCare Urgent Care can help with your burn. We will clean the wound and apply an antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection. We will also bandage or wrap the wound and give you pain medication. If necessary, we can refer you to a specialist for surgery. With proper care, most burns will heal within a few days to weeks.

Located in Argyle, TX we are accepting walk-ins for minor 1st and 2nd-degree burns providing most insurance providers, low wait times, and affordable medical care. For all other major burns please visit our emergency room next door at Wise Health Emergency Center.