Burns are deceptive — a small burn in the wrong place, or one deeper than it looks, can scar badly or become infected. Rapid, correct treatment in the first hours makes the difference in how a burn heals.
Symptoms to watch for
- Redness, blistering or peeling skin
- Severe pain or, in deep burns, numbness
- Swelling around the burn
- White or charred skin
- Chemical or electrical exposure
Come to the ER immediately if
- Burns larger than the palm of your hand
- Burns on the face, hands, feet or joints
- Chemical or electrical burns
- Blistering, white or leathery skin
How we treat burns
Cooling and cleaning of the wound, pain management, sterile dressing, tetanus protection, infection prevention, and referral to a burn specialist for deep or extensive injuries.
This page is general health information, not medical advice. If you believe you are having a life-threatening emergency, call 911.