Burns are skin or other organic tissue injuries primarily caused by heat, radiation, radioactivity, electricity, friction, or chemicals. They can occur from various incidents, including exposure to hot liquids (scalds), solids (contact burns), flames, or chemicals. At our Colleyville, TX, clinic, Make You Well, we frequently treat burns from scalding water, campfires, fireplaces, stoves, and occasional chemical exposures.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible after burns to prevent complications, such as infections, which often pose more risk than the burn itself. Avoiding situations where a burn could be compromised is essential to mitigate the chances of disease. At Make You Well, we categorize burns into first, second, or third-degree based on the depth and severity of skin damage.
Burns of the first degree affect only the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, making the burn site red, painful, and dry, without blisters. Examples include mild sunburns, with rare long-term tissue damage usually manifesting as changes in skin color.
Second-degree burns extend through the epidermis to the dermis, causing the burn site to become red, blistered, swollen, and painful.
A third-degree burn damages all layers of the skin, including underlying tissues. They can be referred to as fourth-degree burns. The affected area appears white or charred, with nerve damage causing loss of sensation.
Severe burns covering extensive areas require specialized care. Factors such as the victim’s age and the percentage of the body’s surface area burned are crucial in determining the prognosis. Therefore, the American Burn Association advises that patients meeting specific criteria receive care at specialized burn centers.
If you believe you’ve suffered a burn, we encourage you to contact Make You Well’s Colleyville office immediately to arrange an evaluation by our skilled medical team.
Cool the burn immediately by holding the affected area under cool (not cold or iced) running water for 10–20 minutes. This reduces tissue damage and pain. Do not apply butter, toothpaste, ice, or any home remedies, as these can worsen injury or introduce infection. After cooling, cover loosely with a clean, non-fluffy bandage and seek medical care if the burn is larger than a palm, blistered, or in a sensitive area.
Yes. Mild to moderate sunburns are within the scope of care at our Colleyville clinic. For sunburns that are severe, covering a large body surface area, accompanied by fever and chills (sun poisoning), or showing signs of blistering and infection, we can provide medical evaluation, prescription-strength topical treatments, IV hydration if needed, and guidance on wound care and skin recovery.
Signs of a burn infection include increasing redness, swelling, or warmth that spreads beyond the burn edges; thick, yellow, or foul-smelling discharge; increasing rather than decreasing pain after 24–48 hours; and fever. If you notice any of these signs, contact Make You Well in Colleyville promptly, as burn infections can escalate quickly and may require antibiotics.
For minor burns, a non-adherent, sterile dressing (such as a silicone or petrolatum-based dressing) is generally preferred over standard gauze to prevent sticking and minimize pain during dressing changes. Our providers will advise on the most appropriate dressing for your specific burn, as well as how frequently to change it and when to return for follow-up.
