Assessing Burn Severity: How to Know When to Go to Urgent Care

Types of Burns

There are several types of burns that you should be aware of. Each type of burn is classified by the severity and surface area of the injury, according to the Mayo Clinic. Knowing the type of burn you are dealing with can help you determine the right medical care to get.

First-degree burns

First-degree burns are also known as superficial burns. They only affect the outermost layer of the skin. First-degree burns are typically minor and can be treated at home, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of first-degree burns include redness, pain, and minor swelling.

Second-degree burns

Second-degree burns affect both the outer layer of skin and the layer underneath. These burns are more severe than first-degree burns and can cause severe pain, blisters, and swelling, according to the Mayo Clinic. Treatment for second-degree burns usually requires medical attention and may cause scarring.

Third-degree burns

Third-degree burns are the most severe type of burn. These burns affect all layers of the skin and can even damage the underlying bones and muscles, according to the Mayo Clinic. Third-degree burns require immediate medical attention.

Causes of burns

Burns can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Heat
• Chemicals
• Electricity
• Radiation

Heat burns are the most common type of burn, according to the Mayo Clinic, and are usually caused by fire, hot liquids, or steam.

Chemical burns can be caused by exposure to strong acids or alkalis. Electrical burns can be caused by contact with electrical currents, such as from a power outlet or lightning. Radiation burns can be caused by exposure to the sun or other sources of radiation, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Risk Factors for Burns

Certain factors can increase your risk of getting a burn, including age, occupation, and lifestyle. Young children and older adults are more susceptible to burns than other age groups, according to the NIH.

People who work in industries that involve fire or chemicals are also at a higher risk of getting a burn. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol use can also increase your risk of getting a burn, as noted by the World Health Organization.

When to Go to Urgent Care for a Burn

If you or someone you know has suffered a burn, it can be difficult to know whether it requires urgent medical attention or not. Here are some guidelines to help you determine when it is necessary to see a doctor.

First-degree burns

First-degree burns are the mildest type of burn, and they usually heal within a few days. The Mayo Clinic lists first aid treatment for first-degree burns as the following:

• Run cool water over the affected area
• Applying aloe vera or moisturizing cream if tolerated

The Mayo Clinic also notes that if the burn covers a large area of your body, or includes your face, or genitals, you should seek medical attention, regardless of the severity.

Second-degree burns

Second-degree burns are more severe than first-degree burns and will require medical attention to treat the burn. According to Boston Children's Hospital treatment for second-degree burns may include:

• Daily dressing changes
• Daily cleaning or debridement of the burn area
• Antibiotics to prevent infection
• IV fluids

The Mayo Clinic also notes that second-degree burns larger than 3 inches in diameter or that cover a joint, need medical attention immediately.

Third-degree burns

Third-degree burns are the most severe type of burn and require emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a third-degree burn include charred skin, white or blackened skin, and a lack of sensation in the affected area, according to the Mayo Clinic.

If you or someone around you has a third-degree burn, you should call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately, recommends the Mayo Clinic.

Assessing The Severity of a Burn

To determine the severity of a burn, doctors use a variety of methods, including the “Rule of Nines” and the Lund-Browder chart, according to Boston Children’s Hospital. These methods take into account the percentage of the body that is affected by the burn, as well as the age and overall health of the patient. If you are unsure whether your burn requires medical attention, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.

Signs and Symptoms of a Serious Burn

If you have experienced a burn, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of a serious burn that requires urgent care. Here are some things to watch out for:

Large or Deep Burns

If your burn is larger than three inches in diameter or is a deep burn that affects multiple layers of skin, you should seek medical attention immediately according to the NIH. These types of burns can cause significant damage to the tissue and may require specialized treatment.

Burns that cover a significant portion of the body

If your burn covers a significant portion of your body, or areas such as your face, hands, feet, or genitals, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, according to the Mayo Clinic. These types of burns can be very painful and may also require specialized treatment to prevent complications.

Burns that are accompanied by other symptoms

If your burn is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms may be a sign of a more serious condition, or an infection, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Complications of burns

Burns can lead to a variety of complications, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some of these complications include:

• Infection
• Scarring
• Disability from damaged nerves or muscle

If you notice any signs of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, fever, or pus, you should seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, if you have a burn that is not healing or is causing significant scarring, you may need specialized treatment to prevent long-term complications, according to the Mayo Clinic.

What to Expect at Urgent Care

When you arrive at urgent care for a burn, you can expect to receive prompt and professional care from a team of healthcare providers. They will assess your burn, and quickly decide on a treatment plan or if you need to be taken to an emergency room.

Evaluation and Assessment of the Burn

The first step your urgent care team will take in treating your burn is to evaluate and assess the severity of your injury. This may involve measuring the size and depth of the burn, as well as determining whether it has affected underlying tissues or organs. Your urgent care provider may also ask you questions about the circumstances surrounding the burn, such as how it occurred, how long ago it occurred, and whether you have any underlying medical conditions that could affect your outcome or treatment.

Burn Treatment Options—Including Wound Care and Pain Management

Once your burn has been evaluated and assessed, your urgent care provider will discuss treatment options with you. This may include wound care to prevent infection and promote healing, as well as pain management to help you manage any discomfort or pain associated with the burn.

Depending on the severity of your burn, your urgent care provider may recommend a variety of treatment options. These may include topical creams or ointments, dressings to protect the wound and promote healing, and debridement to remove dead tissue and promote new tissue growth.

Burn Pain Management

In addition to wound care, your urgent care provider may also recommend a variety of pain management options to help you manage any discomfort or pain associated with the burn. This may include analgesics, such as over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications, or non-pharmacological interventions, such as relaxation techniques or distraction therapy.

When a Referral to a Specialist May be Necessary

If your burn is severe or requires specialized treatment, your urgent care provider may refer you to a specialist, such as a burn center, a surgeon, or wound care specialist. This may involve additional tests or procedures to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.

Burn Rehabilitation

Once your burn has healed, you may require rehabilitation to help you regain strength, mobility, and function. According to the NIH, this may involve physical therapy to help you rebuild muscle strength and range of motion, occupational therapy to help you relearn daily activities, or psychological support to help you cope with any emotional or psychological effects of the burn.

Preventing Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are very painful and may lead to long-term damage or complications, notes the NIH. Therefore, it is important to take measures that can help prevent burns from occurring in the first place. Here are some safety tips, as outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Office and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Tips for Preventing Burns at Home

• Use oven mitts or potholders when handling hot pots and pans.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them regularly.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it.

It is important to remember that different populations have different risks for burns. So in addition to the above safety tips, here are some burn prevention strategies specifically for children and the elderly:

• Keep hot liquids and foods away from the edges of tables and counters.
• Turn kettle handles towards the back of the stove to prevent accidental spills.
• Set your water heater temperature to 120°F or lower to prevent scald burns.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.

Even with prevention strategies in place, burns can still happen. So it is important to know when you should seek medical attention and when you can try to treat the burn at home with first aid. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should get medical attention if:

• The burn is larger than three inches in diameter
• The burn is on the face, hands, feet, or genitals
• The burn is deep (second or third-degree) or involves the underlying muscle or bone
• The burn is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, chills, or confusion

Burn Awareness

There are several burn awareness campaigns and resources available to help you learn more about burn prevention and treatment. Some of these include:

• National Burn Awareness Week
• American Burn Association
• Safe Kids Worldwide

By taking steps to prevent burns and seeking medical attention when necessary, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from experiencing the pain and potential complications of burn injuries.

Remember, seeking medical attention for burns when necessary can prevent further damage and help ensure proper healing. Don't hesitate to seek medical attention if you're unsure about the severity of your burn.

If you do seek medical attention for a burn, be sure to follow your healthcare provider's instructions for care and follow-up. This may include cleaning and dressing the burn, taking medication for pain, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing and prevent infection. 

If you or a loved one has a burn injury, you can use Solv to find an urgent care clinic near you.