Minor burns, typically classified as first-degree burns, involve damage to the outer layer of the skin, resulting in redness, pain, and sometimes swelling. These burns are often caused by brief exposure to heat sources, such as hot surfaces, sun exposure, or minor scalds. While most minor burns can be treated at home with basic first aid, it is important to understand when medical attention is necessary. If you suffer a burn, AFC Urgent Care Back Bay can help. Our walk-in clinic offers same-day care for minor burns less than 3 inches in length. Simply walk into the clinic for same-day care!

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How to Tell if a Burn Requires Medical Care

Burns are very common injuries. This is especially true around the holidays. While most minor burns can be treated at home, there are several situations where seeking medical attention is necessary. If your burn falls into any of these categories, you should seek medical care:

• The burn affects more than 3 inches of skin or involves a large body part.
• The burn is on the face, hands, feet, groin, or over a joint
• If there are large open blisters
• If the burn site shows signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge
• Burns caused by chemicals, electricity, or radiation often require specialized care 

Minor Burn Treatment at Home

Burns are very common injuries and in most cases, they can be treated at home. Burns can easily become infected, so it is important to understand how you properly treat a minor burn to reduce the risk of developing an infection. If you have a minor burn, do the following:

• Cool the burn: Immediately run cool (not cold) water over the burned area for 10 to 20 minutes or apply a clean, cool compress. 
• Clean the burn: Gently wash the area with mild soap and water to remove dirt or debris, and avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing the skin.
• Apply a soothing ointment: After cleaning, apply a cream or gel containing aloe vera or hydrocortisone to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. 
• Cover the burn: Lightly cover the burn with a sterile bandage or non-stick gauze pad to protect the area from further irritation and infection. Make sure the dressing is not too tight.
• Take pain relievers: Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
• Monitor for signs of infection: Keep an eye on the burn for any changes in appearance, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus. 
• Avoid popping blisters: If blisters form, do not pop them, as this can lead to infection. If the blisters break on their own, clean the area gently and cover it with a sterile dressing.

If you notice any signs of infection such as swelling, redness, or puss oozing from the burn - you should always seek medical care for treatment. Burns typically heal within a couple of weeks, however, improper care can increase healing time and cause complications.

Visit AFC Urgent Care Back Bay for Same-Day Urgent Care Services

If you suffer a burn and aren’t sure how to properly care for it or whether it needs medical care, AFC Urgent Care Back Bay is here to help. Our walk-in urgent care clinic is conveniently located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. We offer walk-in care for minor burns 7 days a week from 8am-8pm. Our clinic works with most medical insurance providers and offers competitive rates for our care. For more information regarding the services that we provide, walk into the clinic or give us a call at (617) 869-0500!