Burns and Rashes
What are burns and rashes
There are quite literally hundreds of kinds of rashes–red, itchy bumps or scaly patches of skin. Most cases resolve themselves over time or on their own. Because rashes are rarely life-threatening, you can easily seek care for a lingering or severe rash at a Concentra Urgent Care location. Most over the counter medications are safe for minor rashes. In general if the rash is dry or scaly use something to moisturize the skin. Hydrocortisone is used for itching, bites and allergic based rashes but do not use if there is a suspected infection. Rashes that are wet or draining should be kept clean and dry. These are more likely to become infected. If signs such as increasing or spreading redness, warmth or any yellow drainage seek medical care.
Unlike rashes, burns can be potentially serious. Burns are graded by degree. A first-degree burn is superficial and causes pain, redness, and a mild amount of swelling. Most sunburns are of this type. Second-degree burns are deeper and cause more redness and swelling along with blistering. Watch for infection in second degree burns since the skin is broken due to the blisters. Third-degree burns are the deepest and usually involve all the layers of skin. This can result in permanent scarring and should be seen immediately. Since they are often deep with nerve damage they may be deceptively less painful.
Burns are also not static and the extent can sometimes only be seen over time. Over the course of a few hours a first-degree burn may evolve into a second-degree burn, and a second-degree burn into a third degree burn.
