Understanding burns and when to seek medical treatment

Your skin plays an important role as your body’s protective barrier against environmental factors, toxins and pathogens. From sizzling sunburns to extreme emergencies, it’s important to treat a burn for your whole health and wellbeing. Take time to understand the different types of burns, when critical care is required and what at-home remedies are recommended.

Full thickness burn (third degree)

Full thickness burns, otherwise known as third degree, are considered the most extreme burn and require immediate medical attention in an emergency room. In this burn, tissue, muscles and/or tendons beneath the skin are burned, often caused through a fire and/or electrical or chemical source. The skin is dry with no blisters, and the skin has a leathery or waxy texture. Without emergency treatment, there’s an increased risk of infection, dehydration and permanent cosmetic defects. Note: Do not apply cold, wet bandages to burns that have ruptured the skin.

Partial thickness burn (second degree)

In a partial thickness burn, or second degree, the layer of skin below the surface is burned which often results in blisters forming one to two days after the burn occurs. These are often burns caused by accidents with ovens or stoves. Note: Any burn which ruptures the skin should have antibiotic ointment applied and be wrapped with a clean, dry gauze. IU Health Urgent Cares can assist you with second degree burn care, help you manage your symptoms and evaluate the burn for infection.

“Irrigation is key for any wounds,” says Robby Lynch, physician assistant team lead at IU Health’s Greenwood urgent care. “Immediately after a burn, run the affected area under cool water for around 15 minutes to help with discomfort and inflammation. You can also use a cool compress to help ease discomfort, but never apply ice directly to a burn. NSAID medications, like Ibuprofen and/or Naproxen, can help mitigate symptoms, too.”

The first 48 hours of a burn are critical. Monitor signs of expanding redness, swelling, progressively-worsening pain or a breakdown in the skin.

“If the skin begins to peel away, you can see deeper tissue or you are in significant pain, you should be evaluated immediately,” says Lynch.

Superficial burns (first degree)

The skin becomes red and/or tender in a superficial burn, or first degree, but it doesn’t break or blister. An example is your typical sunburn.

“Sunburns are painful but should resolve in approximately six days with general at-home care,” says Lynch.

In more serious sunburns, a blister(s) may develop up to 24 hours from the initial burn, indicating that deeper layers of the skin are involved.

“If you develop small blisters these are typically safe to monitor and treat at home with rest and NSAIDs,” says Lynch. “Try not to rupture blisters on a sunburn, if you can. Rupturing them slightly increases your risk of infection. Your body will naturally reabsorb this fluid over time as it heals but can take several weeks.”

Treat a first degree burn with a cool compress and rest.

What NOT to do with all burns

While each burn requires a different level of care, the following is true for each:

• Do NOT apply ice directly to a burn, as it decreases blood flow to the area and inhibits healing.
• Do NOT over-scrub a burn as it can risk injuring very sensitive tissue.
• Do NOT use caustic agents like hydrogen peroxide as this can also irritate or damage the skin.
• Do NOT apply butter to burn. It can trap heat and cause infection. Also, avoid other home remedies, like adding toothpaste and/or raw egg whites to the burn, as these can irritate the skin and lead to infection.

Something you can and should do for your burn is keep it clean. This helps reduce the chance of infection.

“Superficial and partial thickness burns rarely get infected if cared for properly,” says Lynch. “Be sure to keep either burn clean with gentle soap and water.”

IU Health Urgent Care is here for you

Lynch advises that most superficial and partial thickness burns can be treated at home as long as there is not any notable breakdown of the skin. But, he suggests you be seen by a healthcare professional immediately if you’re ever in doubt.

“If you come into an Urgent Care for a burn, we’re going to evaluate the depth and area of the burn,” says Lynch. “We want to make sure that the deeper structures, like muscles, tendons and ligaments are not involved.”

For burn care and more, Urgent Care walk-in clinics are open days, nights, weekends and holidays for adults and children 3 months and older.