Mild Burns

Mild burns are among the most common reasons people seek professional wound care. Fortunately, they usually aren’t serious and improve with outpatient treatment. At Complete Wound Care in Wallingford and Milford, Connecticut, complex wound care specialists Adrian Wyllie, MD, MBA, CWSP, FAPWH, and Vadim Kurbatov, MD, PhD, offer treatments for mild burns. Call the nearest Complete Wound Care office today to schedule mild burn treatment, or book your appointment online.

What are mild burns?

Mild burns, also called superficial burns, are some of the most common acute injuries. These burns fall into two categories:

First-degree burns

First-degree burns are the least severe and affect the top layer of skin. They cause the skin to become red and painful, but it typically doesn’t blister. Sunburns are the most common type of first-degree burns.

Second-degree burns

These burns affect both the top and underneath layers of skin. Although more severe than first-degree burns, the symptoms are still mild and include swelling, redness, and blistering.

Minor burns usually cover less than 10% of the body. As a result, they tend to heal well and don’t require hospitalization. 

What causes mild burns?

Various things can cause minor burns, including fire, steam, hot liquids, and sun exposure. You can also experience a mild burn if you come in contact with a caustic substance, such as drain cleaner, fertilizers, and hair relaxers. 

How are minor burns diagnosed?

Your Complete Wound Care provider reviews your medical records and asks about your burn, including how and when it happened. If a specific substance caused your burn, consider bringing the bottle or packaging to your appointment. 

Next, your provider completes an exam. They look at the burn, determine its depth, and assess the percentage of skin affected. Your provider uses that information to develop a personalized treatment plan.

How are minor burns treated?

Complete Wound Care treats minor burns using a conservative and patient-centered approach. They might suggest:

• Running cool water over the burn
• Applying aloe vera gel to the burn
• Applying antibiotic ointment and covering the burn with a dressing
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication to reduce inflammation
• Prescription antibiotic cream to kill bacteria and germs
• Elevating the burn to reduce pain and swelling
• UltraMIST® Therapy

Most mild burns heal within a few weeks*. However, your provider may schedule several follow-up visits to monitor your recovery. If the burn fails to heal promptly or becomes infected, your provider adjusts your treatment plan accordingly.

Call the nearest Complete Wound Care office today to schedule mild burn treatment, or book your appointment online. 

*Individual results may vary.