Mild Burns

Mild burns affect only the outer layer of skin but still require proper care to heal safely. At United Wound Care Centers of Illinois in Aurora, Illinois, John Konopelski, C-APN, DNP, Gladys Odoi, APRN, FNP-BC, MSN, and their team provide expert evaluation and care for burns that aren’t healing well at home. They use advanced dressings and monitor your progress to prevent complications and promote comfort. Call United Wound Care Centers of Illinois or schedule a consultation online today for care for mild burns.

What are mild burns?

Mild or first-degree burns affect only the top layer of the skin. They’re usually painful and red, but they don’t cause blisters, tissue death, or permanent scarring.

Although mild burns are common and often heal on their own, proper care can prevent infection and speed recovery. Improper treatment can lead to complications, but with the appropriate care, most mild burns heal within a week, leaving little to no trace.

What causes mild burns?

Mild burns can occur from everyday accidents and activities, for instance, touching a hot stove, spilling coffee, or spending too much time in the sun. Even minor chemical exposures or friction burns can damage the skin.

First-degree burns usually appear red and can feel warm or sensitive to the touch. There can be slight swelling, but the skin remains intact without deep blistering. Peeling can occur a few days later as the skin repairs itself.

How should you treat mild burns at home?

The best first step is running cool (not ice-cold) water over the burn for 10-20 minutes. Applying ice directly can actually worsen tissue injuries.

After cooling, a clean, nonstick bandage will protect the area. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicine often helps ease discomfort.

When should I see a wound care specialist for burns?

Seek treatment if the burn covers a large area, affects the face, hands, feet, or genitals, or shows signs of infection like pus, spreading redness, or increased pain.

People with diabetes or circulation problems should also be cautious. Even minor burns can heal poorly, increasing the risk of nonhealing wound formation. These wounds (ulcers) can, in turn, become infected. In addition to the discomfort and disability they cause, infected ulcers can lead to limb amputation.

What care will I receive for mild burns?

When you visit United Wound Care Centers of Illinois, the team evaluates your burn, ensures that no deeper injuries are present, and provides advanced dressings to protect healing skin.

They also watch for infection and help you manage pain. In cases where burns don’t heal as expected, the team uses advanced therapies to put you back on track to recovery.

Call United Wound Care Centers of Illinois or book an appointment online today to benefit from expert advice on mild burns.