Whether you’re someone who cooks elaborate meals on the daily or just someone who picks up cooking around the holiday season, the kitchen can be a hazardous place that leaves you prone to injury. One of the most common kitchen-related injuries is burns. Most minor burns can be treated at-home with the proper care, however, there are some cases that this article will review that suggest your burn should be seen by a medical professional.
If you suffer a burn, AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst is here to help. Our team of board-certified medical providers is experienced in treating minor burns and other common kitchen-related injuries. We maintain short wait times so that you can get care quickly. Simply walk into the clinic.
How to Tell if Your Burn Requires Medical Care
If you burn yourself while cooking, it’s important to assess your burn to determine whether it is minor or severe. There are a few different scenarios which may warrant medical attention including if the burn was caused by a dirty surface such as a utensil with food on it, if the burn is blistering, if the burn is over a joint or a sensitive area, or if the burn covers a large area. In the case of most mild burns, you may experience pain at the burn site and redness in the affected area - these symptoms can often be treated at home.
At-Home Treatment for Burns
If your burn is mild, you may be able to treat it at home. Burns are very prone to infection, so it is important to understand the correct steps to take to ensure proper healing. When the burn first happens, be sure to run it under room temperature water. This will stop the burn from progressing. Then, apply a nonstick dressing such as vaseline and cover the area loosely to protect it from dirt and debris. You can keep the area covered until it begins to heal. Be sure to keep it dry and clean while it heals if possible.
Identifying Signs of Infection
Burns can reveal deep layers of the skin and even the muscle if they are severe enough. It is important to watch out for signs of infection as your burn is healing. Infections can slow down healing and can lead to further complications. Signs your burn may be infected include:
- Redness around the affected area
- Pain
- Discharge or pus
- Fever
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical treatment immediately. Treating the infection early will allow you to stop it in its tracks and get your recovery back on track.
Walk Into AFC Lyndhurst for Minor Injury Care
If you burn yourself while cooking, AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst can help. Our clinic is equipped to treat minor burns less than three inches in size. Proper treatment for burns is essential to prevent infection. At AFC Lyndhurst, our board-certified medical providers are experienced in treating minor burns and are available to provide your family with quality care on a walk-in basis, 7 days a week. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable rates for patients paying out-of-pocket for their care. For more information, walk into the clinic or contact us directly by calling (201) 345-3839.
