Burns

Burns (first, second,third degree) cause your skin to become red, inflamed, and painful. Professional wound care can prevent the damage from worsening and speed up your body's healing. Causes of burns include heat, contact, flame, chemicals, cold, and friction. Friction burns are some of the most underrecognized in the Rio Grande Valley and often appear on the feet. Asphalt is usually 180 degrees in the summer, resulting in contact or thermal burns not immediately recognized. Reconstruction of burn and burn scars is often necessary due to scar, contracture (tightness or callour), and pain following burn injury. In addition to surgery, minimally invasive procedures are also available. At Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, the vascular and wound care specialists provide complete care for mild burns, including wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Call the McAllen or Rio Grande City, Texas, office today to schedule an appointment or you can book your visit online. 

What are Burns?

Burns occur when sunlight, heat, chemicals, radiation, or electricity damage your skin and the underlying tissues. Most burns are accidental and cause minor damage. However, professional care is essential nonetheless. Without treatment, a burn can become infected.

Burns are categorized by degree. Most burns are:

First-degree

Burns that damage the top layer of skin (the epidermis) are classified as first-degree burns. They trigger redness and pain but typically don’t blister. Sunburns are thought of as common first-degree burns.  Friction burns are also a type of burn.

Second-degree 

These burns damage the dermis and epidermis, the top two layers of skin. They’re more severe than first-degree burns and usually cause blistering.

Third-degree

These burns burn the entire skin and area is actually painless as the burned skin is unable to be felt.

When should I see a specialist about a burn?

Make an appointment at Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, if you have skin problems that may be a burn.  If you burn yourself on a sensitive area like the palms of your hands, face, feet, or genitals. That’s especially true if you experience significant pain, redness, and swelling. Even if the burn seems minor, treatment is necessary to reduce the infection risk.  Burns heal by scarring, and even minor burns can have scarring that will cause a functional deficit.

How are burns diagnosed?

Your Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC provider, will ask about your burn, including what caused it and the symptoms you’re experiencing. Then, they will examine the burn, assessing its size, appearance, and location.

How are burns treated?

The Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, team takes an integrative, minimally invasive approach to treating mild burns. They could suggest:

• Moisturizing ointment
• Applying an antibiotic ointment if there’s a risk of infection
• Elevating the burned area to reduce pain and swelling
• Covering the wound with gauze or a bandage to prevent infection
• Undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to promote healing

Burns often respond best to a combination of treatments. Your provider monitors your burn at regular checkups and adjusts your care plan to promote healing.

Can burns be prevented?

There’s no way to prevent burns, but you can reduce your risk. The Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, the team recommends wearing sunscreen outdoors, constantly testing the water before getting into the bath or shower, and using the stove’s back burners whenever possible.

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