Burns

Treatment for Burns

Burns are a common household injury for children and adults. Burn injuries are measured in degrees, depending on the size and depth of the burn. Many people will suffer a first-degree burn at some point in their lives, such as mild sunburn or a small cooking burn which can be treated at home. However, accidents that result in larger or deeper burns, or those that involve chemical or electrical burns, require treatment by medical professionals.

What To Do When Burn Accidents Happen

If you, your child, or someone you know suffers a burn, follow these steps:

For a First-Degree Burn

• Remove any clothing or jewelry from the burned area. If the clothing is stuck to the burn, do NOT pull it away from the skin – if the clothing is tight and stuck to the burn you may need to cut it away while waiting for medical attention.
• Run cool water over the burn or immerse the burn in cool water. You may use a clean, cold compress instead of cool water. Do NOT use ice or very cold water.
• Apply aloe gel or burn cream. Do NOT put butter, toothpaste, Vaseline, baby powder, coconut oil, or other oils on a burn.
  Cover the burn with a sterile bandage or gauze.
• Elevate the burned area if possible.

For a Second-Degree Burn

• Follow the above steps and then seek immediate medical attention.
• Do NOT break any blisters.

For a Second-Degree Burn

• Follow the above steps and then seek immediate medical attention.
• Do NOT break any blisters.

For a Third-Degree Burn

How Do I Know What Degree A Burn Is?

First-Degree
First-degree burns are relatively mild and affect just the top layer of skin. These burns will be red, dry and painful, but will usually not have blisters. Sunburns are typical first-degree burns.

Second-Degree
Second-degree burns go beyond the top layer of skin to affect the second layer, called the dermis. These burns are very painful and appear red and swollen and will often result in blisters.

Third-degree
Third-degree burns destroy the top layers of skin and damage the underlying tissue. These burns can be extremely painful, but may also feel numb. The skin may lose color completely or appear blackened.

When To Seek Medical Treatment for Burns

It can be difficult for someone who is not a medical professional to judge the severity and degree of a burn. If you are unsure, it is always best to err on the side of caution. You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• The burn is from chemicals, electrical equipment, or an open flame, even if it appears to be minor
• You suspect the burn may be a second or third-degree
• The face, hands, or genitals are burned
• The skin color is mottled or has changed to white, brown, or black
• The skin texture is leathery or quickly blistered
• The burn covers more than 10% of the body, even if it appears minor
• The burn exhibits signs of infection, such as swelling, discharge or increasing redness

Why Call a Plastic Surgeon for Burn Treatment?
Plastic surgeons are often involved in the care of complex burns. The additional expertise of a qualified plastic surgeon can have many benefits for both form and function:

• Reconstructive If left untreated, scarring from burns can limit a patient’s range of motion. Burns on the face, scalp, genitals or hands require special treatment to prevent complications. A plastic surgeon can help ensure that a patient maintains function of the affected area.
• Cosmetic An experienced plastic surgeon can utilize treatment techniques that will minimize visible burn scarring.

When to Call Dr.STITCH

We understand that burn injuries can be frightening and painful, and we’re here to help. We hope you and your family never need us, but we’re here if you do. Call 1-877-DR-STITCH (1-877-377-8482) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year if you would like treatment from a Dr.STITCH plastic surgeon. Contact us when an accident happens, before you go to the emergency room (in the case of an emergency, always call 911 first.) Your Dr.STITCH surgeon can meet you at a nearby hospital or one of our conveniently located offices. Learn more about how Dr.STITCH works.

Who is Dr.STITCH?

Dr.STITCH provides immediate, on-call service from the highly experienced plastic surgeons of New York Plastic Surgical Group. Our doctors are skilled in reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, including complex burn treatment. Learn more about our plastic surgeons.

STITCH Stories

We hope that you, your kids, and everyone in our community stays safe. When accidents do happen though, we’re glad we can help. We are also honored when we get to share happy updates from recovered Dr.STITCH patients. Read some of the inspiring stories from Dr.STITCH patients.