Urgent Care for Burns
If you or a loved one has sustained a burn, you need to know where to go for the prompt and effective treatment—fast. Your decision can significantly influence your recovery and overall well-being.
At our CareWell Urgent Care centers in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, we offer a welcoming and approachable environment dedicated to providing accessible urgent care for burns.
Our commitment to your health is supported by our board-certified primary care providers, experienced clinical staff, and on-site lab and X-ray capabilities.
We understand that in moments of distress, you need a trusted partner to ensure you receive the best possible care. We welcome walk-in visitors from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day to all our urgent care centers.
Can Urgent Care Treat Burns?
All CareWell Urgent Care centers in Massachusetts and Rhode Island are equipped to treat minor burns.
Whether you have suffered a superficial first-degree burn from a kitchen mishap or a second-degree burn, urgent care for burns is crucial for avoiding further complications or infection.
Second-degree burns often involve red, blistered, and thickened skin that is swollen and painful. In many cases, the blisters may have ruptured, increasing the risk of infection.
Second-degree burns are typically caused by
- Scalding
- Flames
- Skin that briefly comes in contact with a hot object
- Sunburn
- Chemicals
- Electricity
No matter which CareWell Urgent Care center you choose for minor injuries treatment, you never need an appointment.
What Is the Best Immediate Minor Burn Treatment?
If you or someone you love has suffered a first- or second-degree burn, here are a few things you can do right away before visiting a local urgent medical care center
- Cool the burn under lukewarm running water for about ten minutes
- Remove jewelry or other tight items from the burned area before swelling sets in
- Keep blisters intact to protect against infection
- Apply aloe vera or cocoa butter to prevent drying and provide relief
- Loosely bandage the burn area to protect the injured skin
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed
If you are unsure how serious your burn is or notice signs of infection, please seek urgent medical care to avoid complications.
When To Go to Urgent Care for a Burn
Here are some general questions that can help you decide whether to seek urgent care for burns
- Who was burned?
Older adults, infants, toddlers, and diabetics often have weakened (or not fully developed) immune systems and should be seen by an urgent care provider to avoid complications.
We also recommend urgent care for anyone with a chronic medical condition as they are known to negatively affect healing time and health outcomes. - Where is the burn located?
Certain areas of the body are more susceptible to infection, are more difficult to care for, or have specific anatomical considerations. If you or your loved one has suffered a burn in one or more of the following areas, seek urgent burn care- Face
- Hands
- Feet
- Genitals
- Burns that go all the way around a limb or digit (finger or toe)
- Burns that cross over a joint (e.g., wrist, elbow, knee, ankle, spine, etc.)
- How big is the burn area?
The larger the burn, the more serious it can be. Seek urgent care for burns larger than two inches in diameter. Burns larger than three inches in diameter are better treated in a hospital-affiliated emergency room setting. - How deep is the burn?
Burns are classified by how deep they have penetrated the skin. The higher the number, the more serious the burn- First-degree
Superficial burn affecting the outer layer of skin. Does not typically require medical intervention.
- Second-degree
Burn affecting the outer layer and part of the lower layer of skin (dermis). May require urgent medical care to prevent infection.
- Third- and fourth-degree
Burns that have destroyed both layers of skin, the underlying tissue, and possibly the muscle and bone. These burns may also involve nerve damage and require emergency medical treatment.
- First-degree
Visit CareWell Urgent Care for Comprehensive Minor Burn Treatment
When it comes to burn treatment, we have you covered. Whether you're dealing with a minor first-degree burn or a more serious second-degree burn, our urgent care centers are well-equipped and ready to provide the compassionate care you deserve.
Visit one of our trusted walk-in clinics in Massachusetts and Rhode Island for fast, efficient, and high-quality urgent care for burns.
Find the nearest location now for the treatment you need today.