Minor Burns

Primary care physicians including pediatricians, internal medicine physicians and family medicine doctors can treat superficial, first degree and mild, second-degree burns in their office. These burns are usually small thermal burns caused by coming into contact with a hot surface or liquid or by overexposure to the sun, and they only impact the topmost layer of the skin or just below. They are characterized by redness, pain and swelling, and when touched, they may briefly turn white. Blistering may occur in second degree burns. When blistering is extensive or the burn is caused by electrical or chemical exposure, emergency treatment should be sought. When a burn is more minor, it should immediately be treated by exposing the area to cold water, then kept clean until you can get to your physician.