A burn is an injury to the skin or other organic tissue primarily caused by heat or due to radiation, radioactivity, electricity, friction or contact with chemicals. Thermal (heat) burns occur when some or all of the cells in the skin or other tissues are destroyed by hot liquids (scalds), hot solids (contact burns), or flames (flame burns). At Make You Well, we see many different types of burns at our Colleyville, TX location. The most common burns we treat are from scalding water, campfires, fireplaces, stoves, and the occasional chemical burn.

It is very important to seek proper care when suffering from any type of burn. Many patients do not see adverse reactions from the initial burn itself, but from the subsequent infection that may follow. This is why it is important to protect yourself from any scenarios where a burn may become infected. At Make You Well, we classify burns as first, second, or third degree, depending on how deep and severely they penetrate the skin’s surface.

First-degree burns affect only the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. The burn site is red, painful, dry, and with no blisters. Mild sunburn is an example. Long-term tissue damage is rare and usually involves an increase or decrease in the skin color.

Second-degree burns ibe swollen and painfulnvolve the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of skin. The burn site appears red, blistered, and may be swollen and painful.

Third-degree burns destroy the epidermis and dermis. Third-degree burns may also damage the underlying bones, muscles, and tendons. When bones, muscles, or tendons are also burned, this may be referred to as a fourth-degree burn. The burn site appears white or charred. There is no feeling in the area since the nerve endings are destroyed.

Burns that are more severe and extensive need specialized treatment. Because the age of a burn victim and the percentage of the body’s surface area that has been burned are the most important factors affecting the outlook of a burn injury, the American Burn Association recommends that burn patients who meet the following criteria should be treated at a specialized burn center.

If you suspect that you have suffered from a burn, call the office at Make You Well to schedule an immediate evaluation by one of our providers in the Colleyville offi