Primary Medical Care for a Minor Burn

Primary medical care treats and resolves injuries or health issues that are unlikely to threaten your life in the short term. One such injury is a minor burn that affects a small patch of skin.

In this post, a primary care physician explains how to take care of a minor burn. But before getting into the treatment and home care for a burn, it is a good idea to explore the concept of primary health care. Keeping reading to find out what primary medical care can and cannot do.

Primary medical care: An explainer

A primary care physician offers first-line care that often involves monitoring, screening, and prevention. They also provide care in situations where a patient only needs outpatient treatment. If they diagnose a serious condition, they will make any needed referrals. They will also coordinate all aspects of the patient’s treatment until their medical condition improves.

First aid and at-home care for a minor burn

A minor burn happens when someone accidentally touches a hot object like a stovetop or a curling iron. Contact with the hot object has to be brief enough to cause a surface burn that is only skin deep. Here is what to do in case of a surface burn that only affects the top layers of the skin.

• Cool the skin by running cold water over the burn site.
• Apply petroleum jelly to the burned skin; if possible, get a prescription ointment from a doctor.
• Cover the area with a sterile bandage that is also non-stick, as this will protect the raw skin from the sun and other sources of irritation.
• Use over-the-counter pain medication to manage discomfort; it is always a good idea to get a doctor’s input on the type and dosage of medicine that works best.
• Let any blisters heal on their own and resist the urge to pick at them, as this can slow healing, cause infection, and risk scarring.

When to see a doctor

Seek medical help if the burn happens to a toddler or an infant, just to be safe. It is also a good idea to see a doctor if the burn affects a large surface of the skin.

Primary Care Physician

It is worthwhile to have a primary healthcare provider’s location and contact information on hand. Caregivers should take extra steps to know where to get after-hours Primary Care Physician in case of an emergency. This requires the person to take the time to compile a list of doctors and medical practices that will take emergency cases on short notice. If a mild burn is large enough to require a doctor’s visit, here is what to expect from a physician:

• First, the doctor will examine the site of the burn and confirm that it is only a first-degree burn.
• They will ask about the events preceding and following the burn, in order to work out if the patient may have a second injury.
• The doctor will apply a topical treatment to deal with swelling, pain, tightness, and inflammation.
• They will dress the burn site and prescribe mild medication for the pain.

Lastly, the doctor will send the patient home with instructions on how to care for the burn site. The doctor will schedule follow-up visits if their patient needs it.