Burns are scary. They can happen in a flash. Many people try to help right away. Some common home fixes can make things worse. Here, we will help you know what to do and what not to do. We want to keep you and your family safe.
Common Mistake: Putting Ice on the Burn
Some people put ice on a burn. Ice can hurt the skin more. It can make the burn worse. Use cool running water instead. This helps the skin and eases pain. Health professionals recommend letting cool water run for approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
Common Mistake: Putting Food or Grease on the Burn
People often use butter, oils, toothpaste, or egg whites. These things appear to be helpful. They do not. They can trap heat and add germs. That can cause infection. Do not use greasy home remedies. Use cool water and a clean cover instead.
Common Mistake: Trying to Pop Blisters
Blisters cover and protect the skin. Popping them can let germs in. This can cause infection. If a blister breaks, clean the area with water and cover it with a clean bandage. Seek treatment at a clinic if the blister is large or causes significant pain.
Common Mistake: Not Removing Jewelry or Tight Clothes
Burned skin can swell quickly. Rings, watches, and tight clothing can exacerbate the problem. Take these off gently if they are near the burn. Refrain from taking off clothes that are stuck to the skin. That can cause more damage.
Common Mistake: Waiting Too Long to Get Help
Some burns need a doctor right away. Seek immediate assistance for a significant burn. Get medical help for burns affecting the face, hands, feet, genitals, or significant joints. Electrical or chemical burns can look small but be very bad. If someone breathes smoke or seems short of breath, call for emergency care.
Safe Steps to Treat Minor Burns at Home
- Move away from the heat. Keep the person safe.
- Apply cool running water to the burn for 10 to 20 minutes. Do not use ice.
- Gently remove rings or tight items near the burn.
- Cover the burn using a sterile gauze or a clean, dry cloth. Keep the dressing loose.
- For pain, use over-the-counter pain medicine if it is okay for the person. Follow the label.
- Watch for signs of infection like more pain, redness, bad smell, pus, or fever. If you see these, get medical help.
When to See Medicross Clinic and Urgent Care
Call us if you are not sure. Some burns can be treated at home. Some need a clinic. Come to Medicross Clinic and Urgent Care if the burn is large or deep. Seek professional help for burns on the face, hands, feet, or near joints. Come if the burn is from electricity or chemicals. We help people of all ages. We do exams and tests. We give medicine if needed. We can clean and dress wounds. We can guide you on the next steps.
Our clinic cares for injuries, general illnesses, and wellness. We do physical exams, lab work, and treat many special needs like diabetes and auto injuries. We also offer urgent care for sudden problems. For quick help, call us at 951-272-5900. We will assist you in obtaining the care you require quickly.
How to Keep Burns from Getting Worse
• Keep the burn clean.
• Do not touch the burn with dirty hands.
• Change the dressing if it gets wet or very dirty.
• Keep the person warm, but not with the dressing on the burn.
• Do not use strong creams unless your clinic tells you to.
What to Do for Children and Older Adults
Children and older adults can get more harm from burns. Their skin is more fragile. If a child or older adult is burned, take cooling steps right away. Get medical help sooner than you might for a healthy adult. Tell the clinic about any other health problems, like diabetes. This helps us give the right care.
Final Words
Burns are common. Many bad home fixes can make a burn worse. Do not use ice, butter, or other greasy home remedies. Soak the burn in clean, flowing water. Cover it with a clean dressing. Watch for signs of infection. For large, deep burns or those on the face or hands, seek medical attention promptly. If you are in doubt, call us.
At Medicross Clinic and Urgent Care, we help with injuries and urgent needs. We do exams, lab work, and treatments for many conditions.
FAQs
Q. Can I use creams from home or old medicine?
Not unless a doctor says so. Ask your clinic before using strong creams or ointments.
Q. How do I know if the burn is infected?
Watch for more pain, redness, pus, bad smell, or fever. If you see these, get medical help.