Burns
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you think you have an infection?
See significance of an infection if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have diabetes?
Yes Do you have peripheral arterial disease?
Yes Do you have a disease or take a medicine that causes problems with your immune system?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the burn?
Yes Do you have red streaks extending from the burn?
Yes Do you have pus in or around the burn?
Yes Do you know or think you have a fever?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have you had mild pain and swelling with redness less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) around a burn for 24 hours or longer?
Yes Have you had swollen glands (lymph nodes) near a burn for 24 hours or longer?
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.
| Author: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA | Last Updated: February 2, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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