When you think of burns, you likely picture someone with a serious injury. Fortunately, this isn’t always the case. In fact, burns can be quite common, and they usually don’t require hospitalization. That’s where urgent care comes in. Urgent care is designed specifically for cases that would otherwise require hospitalization, such as burn injuries. 

If anyone you know suffers from a burn, there’s a good chance that you’ve heard the phrase “seek care.” And while this phrase is often repeated with little thought, it deserves some clarification. 

• First and foremost, seek care if the burn is greater than third-degree. This means the skin has been destroyed and exposed to bone or tendon.
• Second, if the person experiencing the burn cannot speak, seek care immediately.
• Third, if the person suffering from a burn experience any shock, seek care immediately.

With these tips in mind, don’t hesitate to seek care for any burn – even if it doesn’t seem serious at first glance!

What is Urgent Care?

Urgent care or Walk-in Clinic is an option for those with minor injuries or illnesses that don’t need emergency treatment. Some of the services available at urgent care centers include: treating colds, flu, and other respiratory infections; providing assistance with wound care; providing screenings for common health problems such as diabetes and cholesterol; providing physical exams; and providing contraception and HIV testing.

What are the signs and symptoms of burns?

Burns can range from minor skin irritations to full-blown third-degree burns, which are very serious. Here are some of the key signs and symptoms to watch for:

– Redness or heat sensation in the area where the burn occurred 

– Minor blisters or swelling in the area 

–  Pale skin that may turn red, purple, or black after a few hours (this is when the skin’s natural melanin pigment increases) 

– Tingling or numbness in the burned area 

Immediately seek medical attention if you notice any of these signs and symptoms. However, if you have second-degree burns, you may only experience mild pain, redness, and swelling.

When should you seek medical care for a burn?

If you have a burn that requires medical attention, you should seek care as soon as possible. A burn can quickly become life-threatening if not treated promptly. 

1. Is the burn area large? If so, seek treatment immediately to avoid long-term complications.

2. Does the person have any signs of infection, such as redness, fever, or swelling? If so, seek medical attention immediately, as untreated diseases can be life threatening.

3. Is the person conscious and able to provide information about their injury? If not, consider calling for emergency medical assistance before moving the person.

4. Will attempting burn care cause more harm than good? If so, it is best to call emergency medical personnel instead.

What to expect during treatment for a burn?

Burns are an emergency and should be taken seriously. Treatment for a burn will depend on the severity of the burn, the area burned, and whether or not the person has any other medical conditions. There are three main types of care that people who have a burn can receive: 

1) Outpatient care: If the burn is minor, such as first-degree burns on the hands or face, most people can go home after receiving initial treatment. If a person has second-, third-, or fourth-degree burns, they must go to a hospital for treatment. In most cases, outpatient care will involve first taking care of the pain and swelling from the burn, followed by antibiotics if needed, and then therapy to help speed healing.

2) Inpatient care: People with serious burns that result in extensive damage may need to go to an intensive care unit (ICU) or general hospital for treatment. Treatment in an ICU may include surgery to remove damaged tissue and plastic surgery to help restore function. People who require long-term rehabilitation after their burn may also stay in an ICU for some time. Inpatient care typically costs more than outpatient care, but it can be more convenient since it allows people more freedom and independence.

3) Rehabilitation: After a burn has healed, many people need ongoing physical therapy to help them regain mobility and strength. Depending on the injury’s severity, some people may also need help with basic life skills, such as bathing and dressing.

What are the long-term effects of burns?

When people burn themselves, their skin and underlying tissues can suffer serious damage. The severity of the burn will depend on the amount of skin burned, the location of the burn, and the person’s age, health, and exposure to hot or flame.

The most common long-term effects of burns are scarring and contractures (tightness). Scarring can lead to deformity and reduced mobility, and Contractures can make it difficult for a person to move their arms, legs, or other body parts. Burns may also cause permanent vision loss in some cases. Burn injuries can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

What to Do if You Find Out You Have a Burn?

If you are unfortunate enough to experience a burn, the best thing to do is seek medical attention as soon as possible. A burn can be very serious and requires immediate treatment to prevent further damage. Here are some basic tips for seeking urgent care for burns: 

1. Go Immediately to a Hospital: If your burn is more than a third degree. Third-degree burns involve significant surface Damage and can lead to serious complications if not treated quickly. 

2. Clean the Burn Area: Before heading to the hospital, make sure you clean the area of the burn with soap and water. This will help reduce infection and pain later on. 

Tips for Healing a Burn

If you suffer a burn, heed these tips for healing: 

– Clean the wound with soap and water.

– Apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth.

– Elevate the burned area above the level of your heart if possible.

– Apply cold packs to the wound every 2 hours.

How to Prevent Burns in the First Place?

1. Keep A Clean Kitchen: One of the ways that you can prevent burns is to keep your kitchen clean. If there is grease or another cooking oil on the counter, stovetop, or oven, it can easily catch fire and become a hazzard. Always use oven mitts when cooking.

2. Stay Away From Hot Objects: Another way to prevent burns is to stay away from hot objects. This means avoiding anything that is on the stovetop that could potentially catch fire, like pots and pans, matches, cigarettes, etc.

3. Don’t Overheat Things: It’s also important to be aware of how hot something needs to be before you touch it. If an object feels too hot to handle, it probably is too hot and should be avoided. Be sure never to put your hand directly into boiling water or food!

We’re Open 7 Days a Week

Burns don’t wait for regular office hours, and you don’t have to, either. Our 10+ Locations of urgent care centers are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, so you can get the burn treatment you need, when you need it. We see patients in the order they arrive, unless you check in ahead of time using our online On My Way system, which saves your spot in line. Many visits to our facilities are completed in less than an hour.

If you need treatment for a persistent fever, contact TGH Urgent Care or visit one of our facilities in the Tampa area today. We accept most major insurance plans and offer discounted self-pay rates.