Burns: Check Your Symptoms


Content provided by Healthwise
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When to See a Doctor

You have answered Yes to:

Do you have continuing pain from a burn?


See significance of pain if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

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

Note:

See evaluating pain in children age 3 and younger if you are having difficulty determining your child's level of pain.

Red cross with white cross logo

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have severe pain after using home treatment?

Yes

Do you have moderate pain that is getting worse after using home treatment?

Yellow telephone logo

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Does pain prevent you from cleaning or treating the burn properly?

Green wait logo

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had mild to moderate pain from a burn for longer than 24 hours after home treatment?

Black checkmark logo

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Is the healing scar from a burn pulling the skin tight or preventing normal movement of the area?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.



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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

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.

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