Burns can be scary. They can hurt a lot and make your skin red, blister, or peel. Many people try things at home that make burns worse. We at Medicross Clinic and Urgent Care want to help. We will show simple, safe steps for treating a burn. We will also explain when you should come to see us.
What Is a Burn?
A burn is damage to the skin. Burns can come from:
- Heat (hot water, steam, fire)
- Sun
- Chemicals
- Electricity
Burns can be small or large. They can be shallow or deep. If you are not sure how bad a burn is, it is safer to get help.
Common Wrong Products People Use
Some things people put on burns can be harmful:
- Butter or oil. These can trap heat and cause infection.
- Ice. Ice can hurt the burned skin more.
- Toothpaste. Toothpaste can irritate skin and slow healing.
- Cotton with lotion. Little fibers can stick to the burn and cause germs.
- Strong creams not made for burns. They can sting and make the skin worse.
If you used one of these, gently rinse the area with cool water and then come see us if it looks bad.
What to Use Instead
For small, mild burns, you can try this at home:
- Run cool water over the burn for 10-20 minutes.
- Take off tight things like rings or bracelets near the burn.
- Shield the burn using a clean, dry cloth or a sterile dressing.
- Use a mild pain reliever if needed (follow the medicine label).
- Keep the wound clean and observe for infection indicators: heightened redness, swelling, or fluid discharge.
Do not pop blisters. If a blister breaks, clean it and put on a clean bandage.
When to See Us at Medicross Clinic and Urgent Care
Come to Medicross when:
- The burn exceeds the size of your palm.
- The burn is on the face, hands, feet, groin, or over a joint.
- The burn is deep, white, brown, or charred.
- You have trouble breathing after smoke or steam.
- The burn looks infected (more red, warm, swollen, or has pus).
- The person burned is a baby, older adult, or has diabetes or a weak immune system.
We can help with wound care, medicine, and advice. We can also refer you to a specialist if needed.
How We Help
At Medicross Clinic and Urgent Care, we:
- Look at the burn and check how deep it is.
- Clean the wound gently.
- Give the right dressing to protect the skin.
- Prescribe medicine for pain or infection when needed.
- Do tests if we think more care is needed.
- Tell you how to care for the burn at home.
- Refer you to a burn center or specialist if the burn is serious.
We make care simple. We want you to heal well.
Quick Steps for Mild Burns
If the burn is small and not on the face or hands, try these steps:
- Cool with cool water for 10–20 minutes.
- Remove jewelry or tight clothes near the burn.
- Put on a clean, loose bandage.
- Take a simple pain medicine if needed.
- Check the burn each day for signs of infection.
- Visit us if it does not get better in a few days.
When to Go To the Emergency Room
Call 911 or go to the ER if:
- The burn affects a broad section of the body.
- The burn is very deep or looks charred.
- The person can’t breathe or has smoke inhalation.
- The burn is on the face, hands, feet, or private parts.
- The person is faint, dizzy, or confused after the burn.
Tips to Help Healing
- Keep the area clean. Wash gently with mild soap and water.
- Change the dressing as we tell you.
- Drink water and eat healthy food to help your body heal.
- Avoid picking at scabs or blisters.
- Protect the new skin from the sun.
Why Not Use Old Home Remedies
Many home remedies sound good, but can cause harm. Putting grease or thick creams can trap heat. Ice can make the area colder and damage skin. Sticky or fluffy cloths can stick to the burn. It is better to use clean water and simple bandages or come to Medicross for proper wound care.
We Are Here For You
If you are worried about a burn, we want to help. Our team treats all ages. We give wound care, checkups, and medicine. We also do physical exams, blood tests, and more. If you need extra care, we will connect you with a specialist.
Stop by Medicross Clinic and Urgent Care when you need fast, kind help for a burn. We make care simple so you can feel better and heal well.
FAQs
Q. Can I put butter, oil, or toothpaste on a burn?
No. Those things can make the burn worse. Use cool water and a clean bandage.
Q. Is ice okay for a burn?
No. Ice can hurt the skin more. Use cool water instead.