Burn Treatments in Southeastern MA and RI

A burn is damage to the skin tissue that can be caused by heat, hot objects, overexposure to the sun, fire, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Depending on the cause and degree of the burn, they can either be minor injuries or medical emergencies that require immediate attention. At our Southcoast Health Urgent Care Centers in MA and RI, we can help treat your burns with exceptional care.

Types of Burns

There are three types of burns: first, second and third-degree. Each type of burn has a degree of severity that is based on the depth and size of the burn.

First-Degree Burns

• Minor burns that injure the top layer of the skin.

Second-Degree Burns

• Burns that injure the top layer of the skin and some of the deeper layers of skin tissue.

Third-Degree Burns

• Burns that damage every layer of skin as well as underlying fat tissues.

In rare instances, you may suffer from fourth-degree burns, which are the most severe. Fourth-degree burns have similar symptoms to third-degree burns but damage deeper layers of tissues, such as the muscles, bones and tendons.

Burn Symptoms

Symptoms depend on each type of burn. Here are some common symptoms to be aware of:

First-Degree Symptoms

• Minor swelling, redness and pain.

Second-Degree Symptoms

• Significant swelling, redness, blistering and severe pain.

Third-Degree Symptoms

• White or charred black skin that looks dry or waxy. There is little to no pain due to nerve damage.

Care for Burn Wounds

Burn treatments are performed by trained medical or emergency professionals. However, those trained in first aid may be able to provide effective treatment prior to the arrival of an ambulance or arrival at a hospital. The following treatments are recommended for each type of burn:

First-Degree Burn Treatment

• Soak under cool running water for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Apply antibiotic cream or aloe vera, and then wrap the area with dry gauze.
• If necessary, take over-the-counter medicine for pain relief.

Second-Degree Burn Treatment

• Initially, follow the same steps for first-degree burn treatments.
• Make sure to take off any jewelry or tight items before swelling can occur.
• If you have a blister from your burns – do not break it. If one has burst, gently wash the area and apply an antibiotic cream. You’ll want to apply special dressing, such as Tefla, that will not stick to the surface of the blister, covering it with clean gauze.

Third-Degree Burn Treatment

• Call 911 or head over to the nearest hospital immediately.
• Don’t remove clothing attached to the burn.
• Don’t submerge the burn in water.
• Cover burns with a cool clean bandage or cloth
• Elevate the burned area of skin above your heart level.

A third-degree burn is a medical emergency. If you have a third-degree burn, please go to the closest hospital emergency department or immediately call 911.

Burn Treatment at Southcoast Health Urgent Care

If you aren’t sure of the degree of your burn, or think it might be infected, please come to one of our Southcoast Health Urgent Cares for immediate care. Our experienced physicians will be able to take care of your first or second-degree burns, which includes burns that are bigger than two inches on either your scalp, hands, feet, knees, forearms, shoulders or back. You can find our urgent cares in Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Fall River, Lakeville, Seekonk, Wareham, MA, and Middletown, RI.