Minor Burns Treatment at Universal Urgent Care on Niles Street, Brimhall Road, and Ming Avenue in Bakersfield, CA

A minor burn is an injury that typically affects only the outer layer of your skin (the epidermis) or may extend slightly into the next layer (the dermis). These are commonly called first-degree or superficial second-degree burns. Minor burns can happen from brief contact with hot objects, minor scalds from hot liquids, sunburn, or short exposures to steam or flames.

How to Recognize a Minor Burn

Minor burns usually cause redness, mild swelling, pain, and sometimes small blisters. The affected area may feel warm and tender. In adults, a minor burn is generally one that covers less than 10% of the body. However, burns on sensitive areas—such as the face, hands, feet, groin, buttocks, or over major joints—are not considered minor, regardless of size, because they can lead to complications.

When to Treat at Home and When to Seek Care

Most minor burns heal within a week with basic first aid:

● Cool the burn with water
● Keep the area clean
● Apply soothing ointments
● Avoid breaking any blisters

However, if the burn is larger, deeper, or located in a sensitive area, it’s important to seek professional medical attention.

At Universal Urgent Care, our experienced medical team can quickly assess and treat burns of all types and severities. If you experience:

● Burns on your face, hands, feet, groin, buttocks, or over joints
● Burns that are larger than 10% of your body
● Severe pain, signs of infection, or worsening symptoms

We provide prompt, expert care to help you recover quickly and prevent complications. Your health and comfort are our priority.

At Universal Urgent Care, your health and safety are our top priorities. Minor burns can often be treated at home, but it’s important to act quickly and follow proper steps to minimize damage and promote healing.

What To Do Immediately:

● Cool the Burn: Gently run cool (not cold) water over the burned area for 10 to 20 minutes, or apply a cool, wet compress if running water isn’t available. This helps reduce pain and swelling. Avoid using ice, as it can further damage the skin.

● Clean the Area: After cooling, gently wash the burn with mild soap and water. Be careful not to break any blisters.

● Protect the Burn: Cover the area with a sterile, non-stick bandage or a clean cloth to prevent infection.

● Manage Pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with discomfort.

What to Avoid:

● Do not apply butter, oils, or toothpaste, as these can trap heat and increase infection risk.

● Do not pop any blisters that form, since this can lead to infection.

Monitor the Burn: Keep the area clean and change the dressing daily. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or worsening pain.

When To Visit Urgent Care: Seek immediate medical attention if:

● The burn is larger than three inches

● The burn affects the face, hands, feet, groin, or a major joint

● You notice signs of infection or have concerns about the burn’s healing

Our experienced providers at Universal Urgent Care are here to help with all types of burns and injuries. If you have questions or need professional care, don’t hesitate to visit us or give us a call.

Most minor burns, such as small first-degree burns, can often be safely managed at home. However, there are important situations when you should seek prompt medical attention from Universal Urgent Care. Visit us if:

● The burn covers a large area of your body, or is located on sensitive areas such as the face, hands, feet, groin, buttocks, or over a major joint.

● The burn appears deep, with white, leathery, or charred skin.

● You notice signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, oozing, or a foul odor from the burn site.

● You develop a fever, have difficulty breathing, or the burn fails to heal within a couple of weeks.

● The burn was caused by chemicals or electricity.

● The burn occurs in an infant, young child, or elderly individual.

When in doubt, we are here to provide expert evaluation and treatment to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. Your health and safety are our top priorities—walk in or contact us for urgent burn care today.

If you suffer a minor burn, it’s important to know how to treat it safely. At Universal Urgent Care, we advise against applying ice directly to a burn. While it might seem like a quick way to cool the area, placing ice on burned skin can actually cause further tissue damage and even increase the risk of complications like frostbite.

Instead, we recommend gently running cool (not cold) tap water over the burn for 10 to 20 minutes. This approach helps ease pain, reduce swelling, and protect the skin from additional injury. Once the area has cooled, gently pat it dry and cover it with a clean, non-stick bandage.

If you’re unsure about the severity of your burn, if the affected area is large, or if you have any concerns about healing. Walk in or contact us for prompt, professional medical attention.

At Universal Urgent Care, we specialize in providing immediate care for minor burns, helping to reduce pain, prevent infection, and promote healing. Our experienced medical team uses advanced treatments such as cooling gels, dressings, and pain relief medications to ensure your burn heals quickly and safely. Whether it’s a kitchen burn or a sunburn, we’re here to provide the relief you need.

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at Niles Street, Brimhall Road, and Ming Avenue in Bakersfield, CA. We serve patients from Bakersfield CA, Clovis CA, Mayfair CA, Kayandee CA, Arvin CA, Fairfax CA, Rosedale CA, and surrounding areas.