Expert Care for Burn Injuries
Burns can happen unexpectedly and result from various sources, including light, heat, chemicals, electricity, or friction. Whether you have a minor burn that requires immediate attention or a more severe injury, Midwest Express Clinic is here to provide the right diagnosis and treatment for your needs.
Important!
You are urged to seek medical treatment if you have a fever of 102 or higher that lasts longer than four hours. At Midwest Express Clinic, we offer professional medical services with the convenience of a walk-in clinic, so you never need to make an appointment when you are experiencing a fever or other medical issue.
Burns
Burns are classified into four distinct categories, each requiring specific treatment approaches:
1st Degree Burns
Description: Characterized by redness on the skin with no blistering.
Treatment: Easily treatable at Midwest Express Clinic urgent care. Relief methods include applying a cool compress, aloe, lidocaine ointment, and acetaminophen to alleviate pain.
2nd Degree Burns
Description: Involves redness on the skin with the formation of clear blisters.
Treatment: Mild burn blisters can be treated at our walk-in clinic, but you should head to the emergency room if extensive blistering appears white or bloody.
3rd Degree Burns
Description: Represents a full-thickness burn that appears dry or slightly leathery, often with a whitish-brown color instead of redness.
Treatment: Requires immediate attention at the emergency room. In some cases, an excision may be necessary.
4th Degree Burns
Description: The skin will look black or charred, and the patient may not feel pain due to destroyed nerve fibers.
Treatment: Call an ambulance immediately for these severe burns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of burns, and how do I recognize them?
1st Degree Burns: These burns are characterized by redness on the skin with no blistering. They are typically minor and can be treated at Midwest Express Clinic urgent care. You can alleviate pain with a cool compress, aloe, lidocaine ointment, and acetaminophen.
2nd Degree Burns: They involve redness on the skin with the formation of clear blisters. Mild burn blisters can be treated at our walk-in clinic, but you should go to the emergency room if extensive blistering appears white or bloody.
3rd Degree Burns: These are full-thickness burns that appear dry or slightly leathery, often with a whitish-brown color instead of redness. Immediate attention at the emergency room is required, and an excision may be necessary in some cases.
4th Degree Burns: The skin looks black or charred, and the patient may not feel pain due to destroyed nerve fibers. Call an ambulance immediately for these severe burns.
How should I treat a minor burn at home?
For minor burns, you can take these steps at home:
- Clean the area with soap and water.
- Apply an over-the-counter antiseptic or hydrocortisone cream.
- Consider taking an antihistamine if itching persists.
- Monitor your symptoms and seek medical advice if they worsen or if you’re uncertain about the severity of the burn.
When should I visit Midwest Express Clinic for burn treatment?
*You should visit Midwest Express Clinic for burn treatment when:
You have a 1st or 2nd degree burn and need medical attention.
You’re unsure about the severity of the burn and need a professional evaluation.
For severe burns (3rd or 4th degree), immediate attention at the emergency room is essential.*
What should I do if I suspect someone has a severe burn (3rd or 4th degree)?
In cases of severe burns where the skin looks dry, leathery, whitish-brown (3rd degree), or black and charred (4th degree), call an ambulance immediately. Do not delay, as these burns require urgent medical care.
Can I visit Midwest Express Clinic for minor burns?
Yes, you can visit any Midwest Express Clinic location for minor burns. Our healthcare professionals are equipped to provide the appropriate care for your minor burn injuries.
Burn treatment is available at these locations:
Illinois
Aurora
Blue Island
Bolingbrook
Bourbonnais
Burbank
Calumet Park
Carol Stream
Chicago Ridge
Cicero
Elmhurst on Butterfield
Elmhurst on York Street
Evergreen Park (coming soon)
Lombard
Matteson
Melrose Park
Norridge
Northbrook
Richton Park
River Forest
Skokie
Tinley Park on Harlem
Tinley Park on LaGrange
Westmont
Wheaton
Willowbrook