Burns
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have a second- or third- degree burn?
See significance of a second- or third-degree burn if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Note:
- It can be hard to estimate the size of a burn. If you think a burn is a certain degree and size but you are unsure, it is best to discuss the degree and size of the burn with your doctor.
- The "rule of palm" is one way to estimate the size of a burn. The palm of the person who is burned (not fingers or wrist area) is about 1% of the body. Use the person's palm to measure the body surface area burned.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have a third-degree burn on less than 2% of your body?
Yes Do you have a second-degree burn on your face, eyelids, or ears?
Yes Are you older than age 50 and you have a second-degree burn covering from 1% to 10% of your body?
Yes Are you younger than age 50 and you have a second-degree burn covering 2% to 15% of your body?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have a second-degree burn on your hands, feet, groin area, or over a joint?
Yes Are you older than age 50 and you have a second-degree burn covering less than 1% of your body?
Yes Are you younger than age 50 and you have a second-degree burn covering less than 2% of your body?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Is the healing scar from a burn pulling the skin tight or preventing normal movement of the area?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA | Last Updated: February 2, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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