Burns & Lacerations
The most common cause of childhood burns is scalding.
Common Causes of Burns: Adults and Children
Burns are unfortunately common injuries for people of all ages. Here's a breakdown of frequent causes:
- Scalding: Hot liquids (beverages, cooking water, bathwater) are a major culprit for both children and adults.
- Touching Hot Objects: Stoves, ovens, hair styling tools, space heaters – these pose risks across age groups.
- Chemicals: Household cleaners, industrial chemicals, batteries. Skin contact, eye exposure, or accidental ingestion are all concerns.
- Electricity: Faulty wiring, appliances, or carelessness near outlets can lead to electrical burns.
- Sunburn Prolonged sun exposure without protection is a risk factor for everyone.
Understanding Burn Severity
Doctors classify burns by how deeply they damage the skin:
- First-degree: Redness, pain, swelling. Affects the outermost skin layer.
- Second-degree: Blistering, more intense pain. Damage extends to deeper layers.
- Third-degree: Most severe. Skin appears white, waxy, leathery, or charred. Possible nerve damage reduces initial pain.
What to Do After a Burn
- Remove from danger: Stop contact with the burning source immediately.
- Severe burns (second/third-degree): Seek emergency or urgent care at Night Watch. Call ahead whenever possible.
- Minor burns (first-degree): Often treatable at home with cool water, aloe vera, over-the-counter pain relief. Avoid greasy lotions.
- Chemical burns: Flush with cool water then get to urgent care ASAP, regardless of severity.
When to ALWAYS See a Doctor
- Second/third-degree burns: Require professional care to prevent infection and scarring.
- Infected burns: Look for oozing, pus, increased redness, or fever.
- Any chemical burn: To the skin, eyes, or if swallowed
- Large burns: If the burn covers a significant area of the body, even if it seems minor.
Night Watch Urgent Care: Burn Treatment for All Ages Click Here to Book Online