Burns
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have continuing pain from a burn?
See significance of pain if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Note: See evaluating pain in children age 3 and younger if you are having difficulty determining your child's level of pain.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have severe pain after using home treatment?
Yes Do you have moderate pain that is getting worse after using home treatment?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Does pain prevent you from cleaning or treating the burn properly?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Have you had mild to moderate pain from a burn for longer than 24 hours after home treatment?
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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