Burns can occur in various ways, from sunburns to scalds, and determining whether medical attention is necessary can be challenging. The severity of burns can vary and sometimes worsen over time. If you have experienced a mild or moderate burn, you can visit your local Vital Urgent Care for evaluation and treatment by our medical team.
Causes of burns can include exposure to the sun, electricity, fire, hot liquids, heated objects, and chemicals. Thermal burns, such as those from steam, scalding liquids, hot metals, or flames, are the most common type.
Sunburn, a burn caused by overexposure to the sun's rays, can be serious and may require medical attention. Sun poisoning, an allergic response to UV rays, can also necessitate medical care. Symptoms of sunburn include tight, red, and painful skin, swollen skin, blisters, fever, and chills.
To prevent sunburn, it is advisable to avoid the sun during its strongest hours, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wearing a brimmed hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing can provide additional protection. Applying sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, at least 20 minutes before going outside, and reapplying it every few hours and after swimming or sweating is crucial.
The treatment for burns and sunburn depends on their severity and the substance causing the burn. Vital Urgent Care can provide treatment for minor skin burns caused by sun or heat, characterized by redness, light swelling, and mild to moderate pain. Severe burns always require immediate evaluation and treatment at an emergency room.
For relief from most minor burns and sunburns, it is recommended to hold the burn under cool running water or apply a cool cloth for 10 to 15 minutes. Keeping blisters intact, applying lotion with aloe vera, protecting newly burned areas from cold, and avoiding ice or butter on burned skin are essential. Monitoring for signs of infection, such as delayed healing, increased pain, or increased warmth, is important. In case of suspected infection, visiting Vital Urgent Care for evaluation is advised.
Severe burns always require immediate medical attention, and it is crucial to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Certain circumstances, including burns involving children or the elderly, burns affecting the eyes, burns caused by electricity or chemicals, and burns affecting significant areas of the body, require special consideration.
When dealing with severe burns, it is important not to remove clothing stuck to the skin, but jewelry or belts can be removed as burned areas tend to swell quickly. Large burns should not be immersed in cold water to prevent hypothermia. If possible, elevating the burned area and gently covering it with a clean, cool, moist cloth are recommended.