Tips for Finding Effective Burn Treatment in Tampa – When to Go to a Walk-in Clinic vs. the Emergency Room

Burn treatment will be based entirely on the severity of the burn. Doctors generally rank burns as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th degree burns, where 1st degree burns are considered minor and 4th degree burns are the most severe. Minor burns can usually be treated at South Tampa Immediate Care, while moderate and severe burns should be evaluated by an emergency room physician.

Skin burns can be caused by heat, light, chemicals, electricity, or friction. Most mild burns only affect the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin. Second degree burns penetrate deeper and usually affect the dermis, which is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis. Severe burns penetrate both of these skin layers and the deep subcutaneous tissue, possibly even reaching muscle tissue and bone.

Each type of burn will require different treatment:

• 1st degree – redness on skin; no blistering; can be treated at South Tampa Immediate Care; a cool compress, aloe, lidocaine ointment, and acetaminophen may help relieve pain.
• 2nd degree – redness on skin and the formation of clear blisters; mild burn blisters can also be treated at our walk-in clinic; extensive blistering that appears white or bloody should be treated at the ER.
• 3rd degree – a full-thickness burn that will appear dry or slightly leathery; may have a whitish brown color instead of redness; go directly to the ER for burn treatment; excision may be required
• 4th degree – skin will look black or charred; patient may not feel pain because nerve fibers have been destroyed; an ambulance should be called immediately

If you’re looking for a reliable healthcare clinic in Tampa that is equipped to treat 1st and superficial 2nd degree burns, South Tampa Immediate Care is the walk-in medical center you can trust. We specialize in burn treatment, sprain treatment, laceration treatment, ear and eye infection treatment, upper respiratory infection treatment, and a variety of other services. In the event that your condition does require emergency care, our experienced staff will provide you with a referral to one of three nearby hospitals.