Skip to main content

Burn treatment

Find care

Services are available at MinuteClinic (virtual care also available) and CVS Pharmacy®

Walk-ins welcome — no appointment necessary!

Insurance and pricing

Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.

Pre-check coverage

Need to know more about burn treatment? We’ve got you covered.

What are burns?

A minor burn affects the surface layer of the skin. Hot liquids, fire, hot surfaces, chemicals and even rays from the sun can cause a first-degree burn, making the skin red, swollen and painful.

Most first- and second-degree burns, which are less than 3 inches in diameter, are simple to treat at home.

Burns fall under the following categories, according to the extent of the damage:

  • First-degree burns: These are the least damaging, affecting only the surface skin layer, the epidermis.
  • Second-degree burns:These burns reach the next skin layer, the dermis. They cause blisters.
  • Third-degree burns:All the skin layers are affected.
  • Fourth-degree burns:The joints and bones may be affected.

 

What symptoms can occur with burns?

First-degree burns are superficial and cause localized inflammation on the epidermis (surface or top) layer. Sunburns are typically first-degree burns, for example. They cause pain, redness and mild swelling (edema). The affected skin may also be sensitive to touch.

Second-degree burns reach into the dermis where nerves, blood vessels, sweat glands and hair follicles live. In addition to pain, redness and inflammation, the skin also blisters.

Third-degree burns reach all skin layers and cause damage to nerves and blood vessels. Traits include:

  • Charred skin tissue
  • Raised and leathery skin texture
  • Waxy-looking skin

Getting help

Talk to your MinuteClinic provider about when and where you’ll be traveling. They can help you evaluate the risks for infection. If necessary, they can also prescribe preventative anti-malarial medication that will work best in that region. This might include pills or oral medication.

  1. You may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

  2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment.

    If you made your appointment online
    Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

    If you made your appointment in the clinic
    Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

    If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment
    To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

  3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
  4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for the visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
  5. At the end of your visit, you will provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Burn causes, symptoms and treatment

Some tips for at-home treatment:

  • Place the burned area under cool, but not cold, running water: Alternatively, put a cool compress onto the affected area to reduce pain. Cooling the burned area immediately after an injury helps to slow or stop further damage to the skin.
  • Remove rings, bracelets or other tight items from the injured area: The burned skin may swell, so do it quickly and gently.
  • Do not pop your blisters: If a blister breaks, rinse the area with water and apply an antibiotic ointment.
  • Once a burn cools, apply a lotion containing aloe vera or a moisturizer.
  • Cover the damaged area loosely with a sterile gauze bandage and avoid pressure on this area.

For pain relief, you can take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as:

  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen
  • Naproxen

A burn makes the body more susceptible to the tetanus bacteria, which can enter the skin through the wound. If your most recent tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago, you might need a booster shot. Ask your MinuteClinic® provider about minimizing the risk of tetanus infection.

  • Butter's efficacy as a remedy is unproven: It can make the burn worse by retaining heat.
  • Coconut and other oils: Although famous for many self-care uses, coconut oil can work like butter and other oils. It holds heat and may cause the burn to continue.
  • Egg whites carry the risk of bacterial infection: Uncooked eggs can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
  • Ice and frigid water can irritate the burned area further: Applying ice may even cause a cold burn.
  • Toothpaste could irritate the injury and increase the risk of infection: It is not sterile.

Your MinuteClinic provider can discuss your symptoms and health history. They can create a treatment plan to reduce pain and inflammation, prevent and heal any infection and help you heal.

Back to top of questions

People also viewed:

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.

 

REFERENCES USED AS SOURCES FOR THIS PAGE: