Minor Burns Treatment

Seek professional care for any burn larger than 3 inches, burns with blistering, burns on sensitive areas like face or hands, or if you're unsure about severity. According to the American Burn Association, second-degree burns (those with blistering) should be evaluated by healthcare providers to prevent complications. Chemical or electrical burns always require professional assessment regardless of appearance, as internal damage may not be immediately visible.

Never pop burn blisters yourself. Intact blisters provide natural protection against infection and promote faster healing. Our medical providers can safely drain large or problematic blisters under sterile conditions if medically necessary. Popping blisters at home significantly increases infection risk and can lead to complications that delay healing and increase scarring.

First-degree burns affect only the outer skin layer, causing redness and pain without blisters (like most sunburns). Second-degree burns penetrate deeper, causing blistering, severe pain, and possible scarring. Third-degree burns destroy all skin layers and require emergency care. We treat first and second-degree burns at our urgent care facilities. If you suspect a third-degree burn (white or charred appearance, numbness), call 911 immediately.

No appointment is necessary. Walk-ins are welcome daily from 8am to 8pm at both our Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations. We recommend coming in as soon as possible after the burn occurs for optimal treatment outcomes, especially for second-degree burns or burns in sensitive areas.

First-degree burns typically heal without scarring. Second-degree burns may cause scarring depending on depth and how well they're cared for. Proper professional treatment, appropriate wound care, and sun protection during healing significantly reduce scarring risk. We provide specialized burn dressings and detailed care instructions to optimize healing and minimize scar formation.

Bring your photo ID, insurance card if applicable, and information about how the burn occurred. If you've applied any ointments or covered the burn, let us know what you used. Also bring your immunization records if available, as we may need to provide tetanus vaccination. A list of current medications helps us prescribe appropriate pain management.

Yes, we can evaluate and treat minor chemical and electrical burns. However, these burns often cause more damage than initially visible. Chemical burns require specific neutralization and irrigation protocols, while electrical burns may have internal tissue damage. We assess these carefully and refer to emergency care if deeper evaluation or specialized treatment is needed.

Go to the emergency room for third-degree burns (white, charred, or numb areas), burns covering large body areas, burns from explosions, difficulty breathing from smoke inhalation, or burns with shock symptoms (confusion, pale skin, rapid pulse). For typical cooking burns, hot liquid spills, or sunburns with blistering, urgent care provides appropriate treatment.