Urgent care professional wrapping patients hand in bandages due to a sprain

From a hot pan in the kitchen to a stray ember from a bonfire, burns can happen in an instant. At Hendrick Urgent Care, we provide quick and professional walk-in care for burn injuries in Abilene and Brownwood, ensuring you get the right treatment when you need it most. This guide will explain the different types of burns, help you decide when to seek care, and offer tips for immediate first aid and future prevention.

What Happens When You Get Burned?

When your skin is exposed to a hot object such as a flame, boiling liquid, chemical or heated surface, it can damage or destroy skin cells. The extent of this injury is determined by several factors: the type of heat source, its temperature, and how long it was in contact with your skin. Your body reacts immediately with inflammation to heal itself, leading to redness, swelling and pain. Burns are classified by their depth, or degree, to determine the extent of the damage.

First-Degree Burns

First-Degree burns are the most common and least severe burns, affecting only the outer layer of skin (the epidermis). The skin appears red, is painful and may have minor swelling, but there are no blisters. A sunburn is a good example.

Second-Degree Burns

The Second-Degree burn damages both the epidermis and the layer beneath it (the dermis). The burn site will be red, very painful, swollen and will likely form blisters. These burns are often caused by scalding liquids or direct contact with a hot object. We often provide kitchen burn injury treatment for these types of burns.

Third-Degree Burns

Third-Degree burns are the most severe burns, and they require emergency care. This means that you should head to your closest emergency room immediately. These burns destroy the epidermis and dermis and may even damage the underlying tissues, muscles and bones. The skin may appear white, leathery or charred and present little to no pain due to the nerve endings being destroyed.

Person holding their forearm next to an electric kettle. The person's forearm appears to have a minor burn.

When Should I Go to Urgent Care for a Burn?

Knowing where to go for treatment is essential for proper healing. The key question is, “When should I go to urgent care for a burn?” For less severe cases, urgent care is an excellent option. You should seek urgent care for burn injuries if you have:

  • A second-degree burn that is smaller than 3 inches in diameter.
  • A painful first-degree burn that needs professional assessment.
  • A burn that shows signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling or oozing pus.
  • Blisters that are large or have popped, increasing infection risk.

Hendrick Urgent Care in Abilene and Brownwood is fully equipped to provide effective minor burn injury treatment.

When You Need Emergency Care for a Burn

You should seek emergency care or call 911 for burn injuries in certain severe cases:

  • Third-degree burns
  • Large second-degree burns (larger than 3 inches)
  • Deep burns
  • Burns on the face, hands, feet, groin or major joints
  • Burns caused by chemicals, electricity or explosions, as they can lead to internal damage or other complications

Additionally, if the burn is accompanied by difficulty breathing, signs of shock or if the victim is unresponsive, call 911 immediately.

What To Do Immediately After a Burn

The first few moments after a burn are critical. Proper at-home first aid can reduce the severity of the injury and aid the healing process.

Immediate At-Home First Aid:

  1. Cool the Burn: Immediately run cool (not cold) water over the burn area for 10-20 minutes. Do not use ice, as it can cause further skin damage.
  2. Remove Jewelry: Gently remove any rings, watches or tight clothing from the burned area before it starts to swell.
  3. Clean and Cover the Burn: After washing, apply antibiotic ointment and loosely cover the burn with a clean, dry bandage or cloth. Avoid using fluffy cotton that can leave fibers in the wound.
  4. Manage Pain: Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If clothing is stuck to the burned area, do not try to remove it yourself. Doing so can cause further damage. If blisters form, do not pop or break them. These blisters are your body’s natural way of protecting the underlying skin as it heals, and breaking these blisters could lead to infection.
Woman and little girl smiling at each other and cooking at a stove. The little girl is holding a whisk in a sauce pan.

Preventing Burn Injuries During the Holidays

The holiday season often brings an increased risk of burns due to festive activities. Following these tips for preventing burn injuries during the holidays can help keep everyone safe.

Kitchen & Cooking Safety

  • Always turn pot handles toward the back of the stove to prevent them from being knocked over.
  • Keep flammable items like oven mitts, wooden utensils, and towels away from the stovetop.
  • Never leave food unattended while cooking, and wear short or close-fitting sleeves to avoid catching your clothing on fire.
  • When handling hot dishes, use oven mitts.
  • If a pan catches fire, do not attempt to move it. This can cause serious spills and burns.
  • Use deep fryers outdoors, a safe distance from any buildings. Never overfill the fryer with oil or leave it unattended.

Fireplace & Bonfire Care

  • Use a screen to prevent sparks from escaping your fireplace.
  • For bonfires, always have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby.
  • Never leave any fire unattended.

Handling Hot Food & Drinks

  • Keep hot beverages and dishes away from the edges of tables and counters, out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Be extra careful when removing large, heavy dishes from the oven.
  • Do not carry hot liquids while holding a child.
  • Be mindful of children and pets underfoot to prevent spills and accidents.

Get Walk-In Care for Burn Injuries Today

If you experience a minor burn, don’t want to head to Hendrick Urgent Care. When you visit us for walk-in care for burn injuries, our providers will clean the wound, apply a medicated ointment to prevent infection and promote healing, and properly dress the burn. We will provide clear instructions for at-home care to ensure a smooth recovery and help you avoid complications.


Our clinics in Abilene and Brownwood make it easy to get the care you need. You can call us with any questions or walk right in for treatment. For a faster visit, feel free to check in online before you arrive. Prioritize prevention this season, but if accidents happen, trust Hendrick Urgent Care for expert care and a smooth path for recovery.