Burn
Burns can cause severe pain and damage to the skin and underlying tissues. At HELLOMED in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the medical team provides immediate care and treatment for burns of all degrees. Whether you’re dealing with a minor burn or something more severe, HELLOMED offers urgent care services to help reduce pain, prevent infection, and promote healing. Walk in for same-day care or schedule an appointment online or by phone.
What are the different types of burns?
Burns are classified into three main types based on their severity: - **First-degree burns**: Affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis), causing redness and pain. They typically heal within a week without scarring. - **Second-degree burns**: Affect both the outer layer and the underlying layer of the skin (dermis), causing blisters, swelling, and severe pain. These burns may take longer to heal and could leave scars. - **Third-degree burns**: Affect deeper layers of skin, potentially reaching fat, muscle, and bone. These burns cause severe damage, often resulting in numbness due to nerve damage and may require extensive medical treatment, including surgery.
What causes burns?
Burns can result from various sources, including: - Heat (e.g., fire, hot liquids, steam) - Electricity - Chemicals (e.g., acids, cleaning agents) - Radiation (e.g., sunburn) - Friction (e.g., road rash) It’s important to seek medical attention for burns that cover large areas of the body, are deep, or affect sensitive areas like the face, hands, feet, or joints.
What are the symptoms of a burn?
The symptoms of a burn vary depending on the severity, but common signs include: - Redness and swelling - Blisters - Peeling skin - Pain, which can range from mild to severe - White or charred skin in more severe burns Severe burns may also result in shock, with symptoms like shallow breathing, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
How are burns treated?
The treatment for burns depends on the degree and location of the burn. At HELLOMED, your doctor will: - Clean the burn area to reduce the risk of infection - Apply topical creams or ointments to soothe pain and promote healing - Provide pain relief medications or prescribe stronger treatments for severe burns - Cover the burn with sterile dressings to protect the area during healing In cases of second- or third-degree burns, additional treatments such as IV fluids, antibiotics, or skin grafting may be necessary.
When should I seek medical care for a burn?
You should seek medical attention for burns if: - The burn is larger than 3 inches in diameter - The burn affects the face, hands, feet, groin, or major joints - The burn causes severe pain, blistering, or numbness - You notice signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus - The burn results from chemicals, electricity, or inhalation of smoke or fumes