Burns: Check Your Symptoms

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Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Chemical has been swallowed that may be a poison or causes burning in the mouth, throat, or the esophagus: call your local Poison Control Center or the National Poison Control Hotline (1-800-222-1222) immediately for information on treatment. When you call the Poison Control Center, have the chemical container with you, so you can read the contents label to the Poison Control person. The Poison Control Center can help determine what steps to take next. You may find additional information in the Poisoning topic.
• Chemical burn to the eyes: Go to the topic Burns to the Eye.
• A friction burn: Go to the topic Scrapes.

Yes

Do you have breathing problems or throat problems after breathing in smoke (smoke inhalation)?

Yes

Have you had an electrical shock or been struck by lightning?

Yes

Do you have a chemical burn?

Yes

Does your child have a burn?

Yes

Do you have a second- or third- degree burn?

Yes

Do you have a burn that goes completely around (encircles) your arm or leg?

Yes

Do you think a burn may have been caused by abuse?

Yes

Do you have continuing pain from a burn?

Yes

Do you think you have an infection?

Yes

Do you know or think you need a tetanus shot?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following injuries that occurred with the burn?

• Head injury: Go to the topic Head Injury, Age 4 and Older or Head Injury, Age 3 and Younger.
• Cuts: Go to the topic Cuts.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

Last updated:	February 02, 2007
Author:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer