Burn Care

Burns are a type of injury where the skin is damaged after exposure to the sun, heat, radiation, chemicals, or electricity. While most people experience burns from coming into contact with a hot surface, such as a clothing iron or stove, burns from chemical exposure and other accidents can cause serious harm. Your skin is only built to withstand a specific range of temperature and conditions. When extreme heat is applied to the skin, the delicate cells of your skin are destroyed. Symptoms of a burn can appear quickly, and include:

• Blisters
• Redness
• Swelling
• Peeling
• White or Charred Skin
• Pain (be aware that more serious types of burns can be painless)

• 1st-degree burn. This minor burn affects only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). It may cause redness and pain.
• 2nd-degree burn. This type of burn affects both the epidermis and the second layer of skin (dermis). It may cause swelling and red, white, or splotchy skin. Blisters may develop, and pain can be severe. Deep second-degree burns can cause scarring.
• 3rd-degree burn. This burn reaches to the fat layer beneath the skin. Burned areas may be black, brown or white. The skin may look leathery. Third-degree burns can destroy nerves, causing numbness

Depending on the type of burn you've experienced, the severity, and location, a number of treatments are available. If a burn is deeper or widespread, it is essential to seek emergency medical care. For burns that do not meet this criteria, patients can schedule their appointment with Dr. Schultz in his Upper East Side office. Dr. Schultz understands the seriousness of burns. Not only are they painful, but they can cause infections and other damage to the skin that may require months of recovery. The most common treatments for burns include:

• Burn creams and ointments: these medications are used to soothe pain and swelling, reduce the risk of infection and scarring, and promote healing.
• Dressings: specialized bandages and wrapping techniques to protect the burned area and promote healing.
• Pain Medications: prescription or over-the-counter medications used to minimize the pain felt as a result of a burn.
• Antibiotics: medications that work to prevent infections from taking hold and further damaging the area.
• Tetanus Shots: a shot used to mitigate the risk of tetanus following a burn.
• Fluids: used to rehydrate an individual after a burn

Burns are a serious injury that can damage the skin to varying degrees. The most severe burns may be painless, which can make people diminish the seriousness of their condition. Whether you've experienced a mild or severe burn, Dr. Schultz encourages you to seek expert treatment as soon as possible. As burns damage the flesh and increase your risk of infection, it's important to receive the appropriate treatment. From the comfort of our Upper East Side office, your burn will be cleaned, examined, and treated with the most effective techniques to promote healing and avoid scarring.

After a careful examination of your burn and the surrounding area, Dr. Schultz will create a treatment plan based on the degree of damage. You will be given care instructions, pain medications, and antibiotics as needed to maximize your recovery.