Burns

More than a million Americans suffer burns each year. Although most burns are mild, professional treatment is necessary to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing. At Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, the vascular surgeons and wound care specialists diagnose and treat mild to severe burns. They have the knowledge and expertise to speed healing and lower the risk of complications like scarring, skin changes, and infection. Call the office in McAllen or Rio Grande City, Texas, to schedule burn treatment, or book your appointment online today.

What are burns?

Burns occur when sunlight, heat, electricity, or chemicals damage your skin and the underlying tissues. Most happen accidentally. They can have severe consequences without proper care.

If you suffer a burn, immediately contact Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC. Even though most burns are mild, they increase the risk of infection and other problems without proper care.

Are there different types of burns?

Burns are categorized by degrees. The three burn degrees are:

First-degree burns

These minor burns damage the top layer of skin, called the epidermis. They’re painful and cause your skin to turn red, but they rarely blister.

Second-degree burns

These burns damage the top two skin layers, the epidermis and dermis. Second-degree burns are painful and cause swelling, redness, and blisters.

Third-degree burns

These burns damage the top two layers of skin and the underlying fat. They destroy hair follicles, sweat glands, and nerve tissue. Third-degree burns cause immediate skin changes, causing it to appear charred and leathery. Extensive third-degree burns can be fatal.

How are burns diagnosed?

To diagnose a burn, your Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, provider must determine how severe it is. This involves estimating the amount of skin affected by the burn and assessing its depth. Your provider classifies the burn as:

Minor

Minor burns are usually first or second-degree. They affect less than 10% of your body and don’t require hospitalization.

Moderate

A second-degree burn that covers about 10% of your body is considered moderate.

Severe 

A third-degree burn that covers more than 1% of your body is considered severe. These burns require hospitalization and immediate care to prevent infection.

How are burns treated?

Laser Surgical Solutions, RGV, PLLC, takes an integrative, minimally invasive approach to burn treatment. They could suggest:

• Applying aloe vera gel to cool the skin and promote healing
• Applying antibiotic cream to prevent infection
• Wrapping the burn in gauze to promote healing and keep out germs
• Prescription ointments like silver sulfadiazine to kill harmful bacteria
• Elevating the burned area to reduce pain and swelling
• Intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent shock and speed healing

If you suffer a third-degree burn, skin graft surgery will likely be needed. Skin graft surgery takes healthy skin from another part of your body and stitches it over the burned areas.

Call the nearest Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, office to schedule burn treatment, or book your appointment online today.