Burns (Minor)

What are burns?

Minor burns to your skin may occur from touching a hot (sometimes very cold) object that’s too extreme for your skin, causing an injury. Chemicals, the sun, and friction can also lead to burns. Burns are common, affecting about 10 million people worldwide each year. 

Knowing when to seek medical attention is important to ensure effective healing without pain or complications.

What are the different types of burns?

Types of burns include the following.

• Thermal burns: caused by things that are extremely hot or cold
• Friction burns: something rubs against your skin too forcefully
• Electrical burns: caused by electrical energy
• Chemical burns: chemicals react with and destroy skin cells
• Radiation burns: skin cell damage caused by radiation 

Different degrees (severity) of burns exist. 

First-degree burns damage the outer (top) skin layer and are often minor. 

Second-degree burns are deeper, causing damage to the two outer layers of the skin. They may blister, causing changes in skin texture or color.

Third-degree burns are more severe and can reach the fatty tissue underneath the skin’s layers. Third-degree burns can destroy nerve endings.

What are the symptoms of burns?

Symptoms that burns can cause include:

• Redness
• Blisters
• Pain
• Peeling skin
• Stiff skin tissues
• Leathery skin

The specific symptoms experienced from a burn vary from mild to severe. Seek immediate medical attention for severe burns, as they can contribute to dangerous complications.

Which complications can burns cause?

Examples of medical concerns burns may cause include:

• Scarring
• Infections
• Swelling
• Shock
• Dehydration
• Blood clots
• Compartment syndrome
• Difficulty breathing
• Digestive problems

KC Cares Med can treat minor burns, but Dr. Smith might refer you to another specialist for a severe burn or complications linked to it.

How are burns diagnosed and treated?

Dr. Smith examines your burn, either virtually or in person, to determine its severity and the best way to care for it. He also discusses your symptoms, medical history, and how the burn occurred. Dr. Smith might order blood tests, urine testing, or other diagnostic tests. 

How are burns treated?

Your customized burn treatment plan may consist of:

• Wound cleaning
• Debridement to remove dead tissue
• Over-the-counter medications
• Prescription medications 
• Dressings
• Skin grafts

Follow up with KC Cares Med to ensure your treatment is effective with minimal scarring and no signs of infection. 

Call the office anytime with questions throughout treatment, and protect your skin from further damage from heat, cold, the sun, and chemicals.

Schedule an in-person or telemedicine burn evaluation with Dr. Smith at KC Cares Med by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.