When To Go To A Hospital For A Burn

If you have ever had a minor burn you know how painful it can be. Now imagine a burn 10 times worse or 20 times worse. The pain is almost unbearable. Knowing when to treat a burn at home and when to seek medical care at a hospital or doctors office is essential when dealing with a burn victim. The following article lists tips on when you should go to the hospital.

While a first degree burn might just be red, a second or third degree burn shows such serious signs as charred skin that looks black or white, blistering or the skin coming off which is also called sloughing. These are obvious signs that the burn is serious and needs medical attention. Other signs or symptoms of serious burns that require a trip to the hospital or calling 911 include dehydration, infection, weakness, confusion or dizziness, hypothermia, shivering, hypothermia, fever, chills or cold sweats.

HOSPITAL DIET

It is important to note that an electrical burn will not likely show outward signs such as blistering or redness because it does damage to the inside of a body, therefore an electrical burn should be treated as an emergency and you should immediately get the victim to the hospital. If the burn is caused by a chemical, you should call poison control, 911 or go to the emergency room immediately because if you apply something to the burn it might have a strong reaction with the chemical and cause more harm.

The size of the burn and/or location of the burn also indicate the need to call 911 or go to the emergency room. Burns that occur on the feet, hands, genitalia, or face all require emergency medical attention. If it is a large burn that covers an area larger than an entire leg, arm or abdomen you should go to the hospital or call 911 immediately. Since burns cause swelling, you can run the risk of having breathing difficulties if the burn occurs on the neck or face. Large burns to the feet or hands can cause blow flow restrictions due to severe swelling which can lead to serious complications.

The tips in this article are intended as a guideline. When in doubt, you should always call 911 or head to the nearest hospital. It is better to be safe than sorry. A serious burn left untreated can have lasting affects and can even lead to death. Don't take any chances for the health and safety of yourself or the victim.

When To Go To A Hospital For A Burn

HOSPITAL DIET