The Best Time to see a Doctor for Burns

Question: When should you seek medical attention for burns?

When it comes to minor burns, there are a lot of remedies that will allow you to treat them in the comfort of your own home. However, instances can occur when you need more than first aid and should seek medical attention in order to properly treat what are obviously severe burns.

Medically speaking, if the burned area is not more than three inches in diameter, it can be treated at home and will not need a doctor’s presence. It can be aided by cooling down the burnt area by running cold water over it for no less than ten minutes. Do not apply or use ice to treat burns, as this will irritate and worsen the affected area, actually causing more pain, instead of cutting down the swelling that may result in blister build up.

Dressing

If you need a wound dressing for a minor or “not so” severe burn, the proper procedure is to use a clean gauze bandage to cover the affected area and keep it from further exposure to bacteria. Avoid wrapping the gauze too tightly, as it may cause more irritation. This can also be done while waiting for medical professionals to take a look at more serious injuries. Do the best you can as circumstances allow.

Blistering

An indicator that a burn is heading into a severe state is if blisters start to develop. Although blisters heal easily, they are a sign that that more skin activity is building up, which is a cause for concern. When blisters appear therefore, it is the right time to check if the “Doctor is In”.

Severe Burning

Severe burns, such as third degree burns, sometimes won’t actually cause much pain, as some of the skin tissues or even the muscles underneath the affected skin have been seriously damaged. If so, you may feel some numbness, a stiff feeling, or you will notice a white substance around the burnt area.

Another indicator that you need a medical professional is if burnt areas involve your genitals, eyes, ears, hands, or feet, whether they be full or partial burns, as well as over joints.

It is also highly advised to contact emergency services:

• If the burn area is as big: larger than your palm
• If you are not sure how serious the burn is
• If the burn is caused by a chemical or electrical device
• If it results in a state of shock
• If the victim inhaled hazardous fire smoke
• If the cause of the burn is due to a physical abuse
• If there are other factors that may have caused the burn to be severe

Also, if an infection has already occurred, the following signs will be evident:

• Fever
• Unbearable pain
• Red vein-like spread from the burnt wound
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Dizziness
• Thirst
• Abnormal urination
• Lightheadedness

No matter how small or big the wound is, it is still best to consider medical attention to be properly guided and oriented on how to treat it. Misconceptions still exist as to how to treat and care for burns, so it is best to be as informed as possible should the worst happen.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

John Keane is a full time pharmacist and owner of Keanes Pharmacy. Why not discuss this topic confidentially with John anytime in person at Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars or 0449342884 ©Keanes Pharmacy 2015 www.keanespharmacy.com