burns & lacerations

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.

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.

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.




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!