What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

UTIs are common infections that happen when bacteria, often from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra (urethritis) and infect the urinary tract. The infections can affect several parts of the urinary tract, but the most common type is a bladder infection (cystitis).  Kidney infections (pyelonephritis) are another type of UTI. They’re less common but more serious than bladder infections.

Your doctor will determine if you have a UTI by asking about symptoms, doing a physical examination, and ordering urine tests, if needed.

Risk Factors

• UTIs are more common in women and girls because their urethras are shorter and closer to the rectum, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract.
• A previous UTI
• Sexual activity, and especially a new sexual partner
• Changes in the bacteria that live inside the vagina (vaginal flora)
• Pregnancy
• Age (older adults and young children are more likely to get UTIs)
• Structural problems in the urinary tract, such as prostate enlargement
• Poor hygiene, particularly in children who are potty-training

Symptoms of a UTI can include:

• Pain or burning while urinating
• Frequent urination
• Feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder
• Bloody urine
• Pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen
• Fever/Chills
• Lower back pain or pain in the side of your back
• Nausea or vomiting

Sometimes other illnesses, such as sexually transmitted diseases, have symptoms like UTIs. Your doctor can determine if a UTI or different illness is causing your symptoms and determine the best treatment.

Treatment

• UTIs are caused by bacteria and are treated with antibiotics.
• If you are prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as your doctor tells you.
• Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Your doctor might also recommend medicine to help lessen the pain or discomfort.
• Talk with your doctor and pharmacist if you have any questions about your antibiotics.

Prevention

You can help prevent UTIs by doing the following:

• Urinate after sexual activity.
• Stay well hydrated and urinate regularly.
• Take showers instead of baths.
• Minimize douching, sprays, or powders in the genital area.
• Teach girls when potty training to wipe front-to-back.

When to Seek Medical Care at eMedical Urgent Care

See a doctor if you have symptoms of a UTI. While most cases of UTIs can be treated at the eMedical Urgent Care, some cases may need to be treated in the hospital.

Please see your doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning.

See a doctor right away if your child is younger than 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4F (38C) or higher.

 

https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/uti.html

By John Morlino, DO

“Hey Doc, take a look at this. It’s a spider bite, right?” I’ve heard that line many times as an urgent care physician. As the warmer weather approaches, we spend more time outside, leaving ourselves vulnerable to bee stings and mosquito bites. Despite our best efforts of lighting citronella candles or dousing our skin in greasy sprays, we still fall prey to these small creatures.

It seems we can’t escape these pesky insects, but after reading this you’ll at least be better prepared for when they strike.

Bees, Stings and Other Things

A bite is inflicted with the mouth or mandible part of an insect, reptile or animal, resulting in a mosquito bite, snake bite or dog bite. A sting is inflicted from the back or posterior end of an insect, resulting in a bee or wasp sting or a scorpion sting (fortunately not in New Jersey).

Bees, wasps and hornets sting and inject venom into the skin. However, the honeybee better think twice before she stings you. Nature has endowed them with only one chance to sting. They will die after this one event. On the other hand, wasps and hornets can sting multiple times and just fly away.

You’ve Been Stung – Now What?

We must appreciate the fact that a very small amount of venom from a bee can be lethal. It is estimated only 30 millionths of a gram of bee venom (30 micrograms) can kill a person. A small percentage of people will have a severe, life-threatening reaction to a bee sting. This is call anaphylaxis and it can be fatal. It is estimated that about 2 million U.S. citizens are highly allergic to bee stings (about 1 in 155 people) and of all of those who are allergic, only 1 in 1,000 will experience the severest allergic reaction. On average, 65 people will die of a bee sting in the U.S. each year. This is compared to five deaths for snake bites. Of course, many more people are stung by bees than snakes.

Fortunately for most people, a bee sting will result in red, itchy, swollen skin which will subside in a few days. If stung, make sure you take out the stinger from the surface of the skin. This is only necessary if a honey bee was the culprit. Tweezers and a magnifying glass will be valuable in this task. Later, apply ice to the area, and an oral antihistamine such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can help relieve itch and swelling. For a more widespread reaction or persistent swelling (more than 2 or 3 days), you should seek medical attention. If you have experienced dizziness, fainting or shortness of breath after a bee sting, you are advised to carry a bee sting kit with you at all times. See your healthcare provider, as you will need a prescription for this device.

Shoo, Fly, Don’t Bother Me

While bug bites aren’t 100 percent avoidable, there are certain preventive measures we can take to best protect ourselves from those pesky insect bites.

Avoiding Bee Stings

• If you look like a flower or smell like a flower, you increase your chances of getting stung by a bee or wasp. Avoid perfumes or bright colors to keep the bees away.
• Eating outside on a warm summer afternoon is ideal, but just be careful of sweet snacks and sugary drinks – the bees will certainly stop by for a bite.
• Should you come in close proximity to a bee or wasp, remain still. It may feel more natural to swat at the bug but you will only agitate it, and the likelihood of getting stung increases.

Avoiding Mosquito Bites

• Using insect repellent is an easy way to prevent mosquito bites. For those with sensitive skin, many brands offer insect repellent clips that attach to your clothing. Lighting a citronella candle is another alternative.
• Mosquitos like the hours between dusk and dawn. If weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to keep them away.
• Standing water serves as a breeding group for mosquitos. Getting rid of standing water is an easy option to avoid mosquito bites.

When in Doubt, Don’t Blame it on a Spider

The spider is probably the scapegoat of the insect world. They are blamed for considerably more bites than they inflict. Many patients will say they have a spider bite, but only a few actually saw the creature. The vast majority of so-called spider bites are actually a type of resistant staph infection. They are skin sores that are red, painful, elevated and may have a black center. They do resemble actual spider bites and are treated with one or more antibiotics.

Spider bites in the U.S. measure in the thousands and are lethal to about 10 individuals per year. Children and seniors are most vulnerable.

It is estimated there are more than 100,000 different types of spiders, yet only a tiny fraction of 1 percent are harmful to humans. At the top of the list are black widows and the brown recluse. Both of these spiders are small, about 3/8 of an inch. Some of those bitten report little or no initial pain. The best thing to do is to apply a cold compress or ice pack on the wound site and get medical attention. Some spider bites require the administration of an anti-venom serum as in some snake bites.

What bug do you think presents the most serious threat to the health and well-being of all mankind? No, it’s not a bee or spider, they don’t even come close. Did you say mosquito? Yes, that’s correct! Each year, just from the transmission of malaria alone, mosquitoes cause an estimated 2.7 million deaths. Mosquito commissions, we thank you!

John Morlino, DO, has been with eMedical Urgent Care since 1984. He is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine. Dr. Morlino earned his medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his family practice residency at Union Memorial Hospital, Union, N.J.  Dr. Morlino holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and physics/mathematics. He also is a certified paralegal.

To our patients and their families,

Over the past 35 years, eMedical Urgent Care has been proud to provide outstanding health care for you, your family and your community. In this time of uncertainty, our doctors and medical staff are reaching out to confirm our commitment to you that we are open and will continue to bring you the highest quality medical care in a clean, safe environment.

• We now offer telemedicine visits that allow you to interact with our doctors without having to leave the safety of your home.
• We are conducting curbside registration, where you can rest in the comfort of your car until an exam room is ready for you.
• We have enhanced our disinfecting protocols for your continued safety throughout the office, x-ray room and exam rooms. We have masks for each patient.
• Patients are pre-screened and those with possible COVlD-19 infection symptoms can be evaluated via telemedicine.
• We will still be available for all other non-COVID illnesses and injuries.

As we witness the world changing from day to day, you can feel better knowing that we are here, and we will continue our commitment to provide the best quality health care for you and your family.

Sincerely,

Jane Sennett, DO
Medical Director of eMedical Urgent Care

Winter is coming. As colder weather approaches and more people stay indoors — and in close proximity to each other — our offices begin to see more patients with sore throats, upper respiratory illnesses, sinus infections and colds. The majority of these illnesses are caused by viruses. As doctors, we begin to see cases develop in October, peak during January and February, and finally begin to taper off in March.

More than Just a Cold

This time of year, we also begin to see patients with “flu-like” symptoms. An influenza infection, commonly called “the flu”, is different from the common cold because it’s caused by the influenza virus, which can potentially be much more severe than the common cold.

In the most susceptible patients, such as the elderly, or those with underlying medical conditions, severe flu illness can be potentially life-threatening. Adults with the flu virus usually are contagious one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after symptoms develop. Children may be contagious for more than seven days.

How Does the Flu Spread

The virus is spread primarily by “droplet” contamination, meaning that when an infected person talks, sneezes or coughs, droplets containing the virus can spread to others up to six feet away. The droplets can land in the mouths and noses of others and can be inhaled into the lungs. This is why it’s important to cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing and wash your hands afterward.

The next most common method of infection is from touching a surface that has the flu virus (such as a doorknob) and then touching your mouth or nose. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based waterless hand cleansers are the best ways to prevent this transmission. Any items used by infected individuals, such as dishes, silverware, linens and towels, shouldn’t be shared and should be washed thoroughly before reusing.

Get a Flu Shot

The most important piece of advice to remember regarding preventing the flu is to get vaccinated. Vaccination not only prevents the vaccine recipient from illness but also prevents the spread of the flu throughout the community.

The flu vaccine must be given annually. It contains three of the four most common strains of the influenza virus for the upcoming flu season based on sophisticated computer models that predict which virus will be most likely to be circulating in a particular year. The flu vaccine is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for everyone over the age of 6 months.

What Are Flu Symptoms?

Symptoms of the common cold and the flu can have similar symptoms and may be hard to differentiate.  Flu symptoms tend to be more severe and include:

• High fever (although the flu can occur without a fever)
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or congested nose
• Body aches
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue

Patients may occasionally develop nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Your fever may last three to five days, and cough and exhaustion can last up to two weeks. The symptoms generally start abruptly.

But Do I Really Have the Flu?

Your doctor will determine if you have the flu based on your symptoms and his clinical assessment of your physical condition. The most common testing used is the rapid flu test, when a swab is taken from the nose or throat and analyzed. This test can detect the flu usually within a few minutes. Unfortunately, this test is not foolproof, meaning you can have a negative test and still have the flu. Generally, if your doctor suspects the flu based on symptoms, patient risk factors and the pattern of flu infections in the community, he or she will begin treating the virus even if the rapid flu test is not performed.

How to Treat the Flu

• You can treat flu symptoms with and without medication
• Your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to help alleviate your symptoms
• Antibiotics are only necessary if your viral illness has developed into a bacterial infection

Remember, influenza virus symptoms are usually more severe than the common cold and can be dangerous for the elderly, young and high-risk patients with underlying medical problems. The flu virus is contagious, and proper precautions should be taken to prevent getting the flu or spreading it to others.

Frequent hand washing and covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing can help eliminate the potential of contamination. The most effective method of prevention for individuals and their communities is vaccination. There is no cure for flu. If treated early, antivirals can reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms. Call or stop by our office today if you think you have the flu.

If you need medical attention for a non-life-threatening illness or injury, eMedical Urgent Care is open seven days a week from 8 am to 8 pm to treat walk-in patients.

If you’ve ever experienced a headache in Middletown, you can probably attest to the fact that suffering from one can result in lost time at work, home and even in social settings. While most people with headaches can feel much better by making simple lifestyle changes and learning ways to relax, sometimes, a trip to Urgent Care is necessary to further investigate the root of the problem. The first step in managing headache is to determine what type the headache is causing the pain.

Headache Classification

In 2013, the International Headache Society released its latest classification system for headaches:

• Primary
• Secondary
• Cranial neuralgias, central and primary facial pain and other headaches.

Primary Headaches

Primary headaches account for about 90% of all headaches and are not associated with other diseases, for example migraine headaches, tension headaches and cluster headaches.

Migraine Headaches

What is a migraine? Migraines are a chronic and episodic disorder, characterized by headache attacks. Migraines are very common and affect nearly 12% of people in the US 12 years and older. They are more common in women (17% vs 6% in men). Associated symptoms include:

• Recurrent headaches lasting 4-72 hours
• One-sided, pulsating, moderate-to-severe pain
• Decreased ability to function in everyday situations

Often, associated symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light and sound are also present during an attack. Other symptoms include sweating, cold hands, diarrhea, pale skin color and scalp tenderness.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache likely caused by tight muscles in your shoulders, neck, scalp and jaw. Symptoms may be related to stress, depression, anxiety, a head injury or holding your head in an awkward position. They often start at the back of the head and spread forward with dull-like or squeezing pain.

Home remedies for tension headaches include rest and over-the-counter (OTC) medications for pain.

Cluster Headaches

A cluster headache tends to be sharp and very painful that can occur daily, sometimes several times a day for months. The headaches usually last less than an hour and tend to occur around the same time each day. Symptoms are due to swelling in the sinus passage behind the cheeks, nose and eyes and tend to worsen first thing in the morning or when the individual bends forward. They may also occur with a fever, cold or flu or premenstrual syndromes.

Secondary Headaches

Secondary headaches are usually a symptom of an injury or an underlying illness. These headaches may be related to allergies, caffeine withdrawal, hunger or sinus headaches due to increased pressure or infection in the sinuses. Additionally, an associated disease, sometimes life threatening conditions such as brain tumors, strokes, and meningitis or less, can cause secondary headaches.

Cranial Neuralgias, Central and Primary Facial Pain and Other Headaches

Other types of headaches include: cranial neuralgias, central and primary facial pain and other types of neuralgias. Neuralgia means relating to the nerves. Headaches and facial pain can be very complex, with many interrelated causes. If you or a loved one has suffered a new onset headaches or if headaches are associated with fever, stiff neck, weakness or change in sensation on one side of the body, change in vision, vomiting or change in behavior, seek medical care immediately.

Treating Headaches at Middletown eMedical Urgent Care

If you or a loved one experience constant headaches, it is a good idea to see a doctor. It can be difficult to determine what triggers your headache; we want to help you find relief. Prepare for your visit by keeping a headache diary so you can discuss your specific symptoms. Include information such as: how many days in the month you’ve had a headache, how long they last, what made it stop, if you’ve changed your diet or habits recently, sleep schedule, how the headaches are impacting your daily life and if you are taking any medications. Talk with your eMedical Urgent Care doctor about what sets off your headaches in Middletown to help find the right treatment for you. Call to learn more about our services in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, (908) 464-6700, and Middletown, New Jersey, (732) 957-0707.

It’s 2 a.m. and your toddler wakes up for the second time tonight complaining of a stomach ache. You reach down to kiss her forehead and notice that she’s burning up. What do you do? No matter your scenario, dealing with a high fever (especially in a child) can be scary and confusing. Fevers, also known as Pyrexia, are very common. They’re the body’s natural reaction to fighting off an illness. While many cases don’t necessarily require a trip to the doctor, it’s important to know when to seek medical attention for a fever.

What is a Fever?

A normal body temperature is 98.6 F although factors such as menstrual cycles or heavy exercising can affect a “normal” body temperature. When your body experiences an increased body temperature, that means it’s on the defense against some sort of infection or illness. As defined by the Mayo Clinic, a fever occurs when an area in your brain called the hypothalamus — also known as your body’s “thermostat” — shifts the set point of your normal body temperature upward.

What Causes a Fever

Sometimes the cause of a fever cannot be identified, but a few common reasons include:

• virus
• bacterial infection
• heat exhaustion
• extreme sunburn
• certain inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
• medication reactions

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Fever in Adults?

We’ve all experienced symptoms of a fever: the fatigue, the chills, the body aches, night sweats… the list is exhausting. Sometimes it’s tough to tell when to seek medical attention for a fever and when to just “tough it out.” But for adults, a temperature taken orally that is higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (101 degrees or higher for ear or rectal temperatures) is considered a fever. For adults, usually an over the counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, will help to lower a high fever. But if the fever elevates to 103 degrees Fahrenheit, lasts longer than three days or is accompanied by other symptoms such as sore throat, confusion, sharp stomach pain or severe headache, it’s time to take a trip to urgent care.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Fever During Pregnancy?

Mild fevers that last only a short time usually are not a concern but a high fever during early pregnancy could be dangerous for a baby’s fragile development. Expecting mothers should take note of any additional symptoms including shortness of breath, back pain, chills, abdominal pain or neck stiffness and contact their doctor for proper treatment right away.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Fever in Children?

No matter how careful you are, every child will eventually experience a fever at some point. For the purpose of this section, we’ll define child as 3 months to 3 years of age or up. A fever can’t always be detected by feeling your child’s forehead. Similar to adults, a fever is defined as 100.4 F. But if your child’s behavior is fairly normal (eating, drinking, sleeping, playing) and has a low-grade fever (102.5 F or less) lasting less than five days, you don’t need to be too concerned. Now for the important question: When should you seek medical attention for a fever in your child?

• Your child’s fever lasts more than five days.
• The fever elevates to 104 F.
• Fever reducers are not helping.
• The child has signs of dehydration.
• You’re concerned.
• Your infant, younger than 3 months of age, develops a fever.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Fever in Infants?

Infants are much more sensitive to high body temperature and fevers have to be taken very seriously. If your infant is younger than three months, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises a trip to the doctor for temperatures of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The best way to get an accurate temperature reading for infants is with a rectal thermometer. For older children, under arm, oral or tympanic thermometers are accurate and easy to use.

Fever Treatment at eMedical Urgent Care

Never hesitate to seek medical attention for a fever if you are concerned. When your child becomes ill, choosing the right medical provider is important; eMedical Urgent Care makes it easy to get the help you need, from pediatric health services to treating sinus infections in adults. Call to learn more about our services in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, (908) 464-6700, and Middletown, New Jersey, (732) 957-0707.

Backpack? Check. Notebook? Check. Cool new school clothes? Check. Walk into any store with your child’s school supply checklist in hand, and you’re likely going to be faced with bright orange “BACK TO SCHOOL” promotions. Summer is almost over (we know, we can’t believe it either), which means it’s time for parents to start thinking about a health check list, and it starts with scheduling back to school physicals.

Healthy Back-To-School Checklist

As you’re transitioning the kids from summer to school, parents can do a little homework of their own with this handy back-to-school health checklist.

• Get Organized – Organize all medical history records and emergency medical contact information for your child. Provide copies to your child’s school and day care providers. The form needs to include information related to prescription medications, medical problems, previous surgeries as well as pertinent family history and emergency contact information.
  • You can find a few medical history templates and free consent-to-treat forms online which allow caregivers to authorize medical treatment if necessary.
• Plan School Physicals – Schedule dental check-ups and school physicals including eye exams, hearing tests and immunizations six weeks before school starts. Back to school physicals are a time to monitor children’s growing rate, check that no new health concerns have arisen over the past year and administer any vaccines necessary. It is also an opportunity to determine if they are clear for physical exertion in school sports.
• Connect with the School – Connect with your child’s school nurse to create an action plan for any health issues, such as asthma or food allergies.
• Get to Sleep – Healthy sleep habits are critical for transitioning back to school. Gradually adjust sleep and wake schedules two weeks before the start of school to help set their biological clocks to the new schedule. Keep a regular bedtime routine, even on the weekends, and eliminate exposure to electronics within an hour before bed. Read more about the importance of sleep on our blog.
• Stock Up on Healthy Foods – Eating well at school can be challenging; talk with your children about healthy choices and discuss their menu options to help them make smart decisions on their own. Make it even easier by stocking up on healthy foods to pack for your kids’ lunches. Taking a few minutes on the weekends to cut up fruits and vegetables and prepare nutritious lunches can go a long way to keeping kids healthy.
• Teach Good Hygiene Habits – Remind kids how to protect themselves from getting sick by preventing exposure to germs. Encourage them to wash up after using the restroom, before and after eating and avoid touching their face. They can also prevent getting others sick by sneezing/coughing into a tissue or into the crook of their elbow.

Who’s ready for a successful start to the new school year?

Scheduling School Physicals?

No need to schedule anything! All visits at eMedical Urgent Care are quick, convenient and do not require an appointment. Simply walk in whenever it’s convenient for you and your child; expect the exam to take only about 20 minutes to complete. Learn more about our services and how we can treat you and your family by calling our location in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey (908) 464-6700, or Middletown, New Jersey (732) 957-0707.

DOT physicals, also known as “medical fitness for duty” exams, are required in order to operate a commercial vehicle. The purpose of this test is to check the individual’s current health, both physical and mental, to determine fitness for work and if they are “fit enough” to drive safely now (and in the foreseeable future).

Requirements for DOT Physicals

According to the Motor Vehicle Commission, below are the basic requirements for passing the DOT physical exam.

• With or without vision corrections, each eye, as well as both eyes combined, need to have 20/40 vision.
• Ability to distinguish color is necessary.
• Should be able to perceive a forced whisper at a distance of at least 5 feet.
• Blood pressure has to be lower than 160/100. Prescription medication to control blood pressure is permitted.
• An applicant can have diabetes which is controlled through diet or medication. Diabetes which is controlled with insulin injections is not permitted
• The maximum level of blood sugar an applicant is allowed to have is 200.
• Use of schedule 1 drugs is strictly disallowed
• If you are currently diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease such as collapse, congestive cardiac failure or cardiac insufficiency, then you will have to provide the Medical Examiner with a stress test as well as a note from your physician stating that you are able to drive a commercial motor vehicle without restrictions.

Most Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV) drivers are required to take a DOT physical exam every 2 years to maintain their DOT medical certificate.

FMSCA Form

Preparing for DOT Physicals

To prepare for your appointment, make sure to bring a valid driver’s license, eyeglasses or contact lenses, a list of medications (and prescribing doctor contact information) and be prepared to give a urine sample. The doctor will review your health history with you and conduct a thorough physical examination.

Some friendly reminders:

• Get a good night’s sleep so you’re well-rested.
• Take your medications as usual (bring all medications in original bottles to the DOT physical to show the doctor).
• If you have high blood pressure, lay off the coffee and energy drinks. Caffeine can raise blood pressure which could turn a non-hypertensive driver into a restricted one… or disqualified.
• Reduce your use of nicotine as much as possible to help lower blood pressure readings.
• Drink plenty of water (remember that urine test?)
• Get past the “white coat” syndrome, remember that we’re here to help you. Take a deep breath and just relax.

Employee Medical Care that Works

Looking for walk-in DOT physicals in NJ? At eMedical, we do DOT physicals quickly, accurately and hassle-free. No appointment necessary; walk-ins are always welcome! We’re here to support your business as a full-service, physician-staffed resource.

Your employees will receive the same quality care they’d receive at an emergency room – without the long wait and expense. eMedical Urgent Care offers various workplace health services, such as DOT physicals, for employers, which meet the regulations for all drivers of Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs). Call our location in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey at (908) 464-6700, or Middletown, New Jersey at (732) 957-0707. We welcome you to walk in, get your exam and be on your way.

Burns are the most common household injury, especially in children. They are classified as either first-degree, second-degree, third-degree or fourth-degree according to the depth of the burn. Treatment for burns varies by degree. Major burns require a trip to the ER, and minor burns can be treated at your local eMedical Urgent Care center, which is why it’s important to be able to identify their differences.

Burn Classifications

There are 4 different classifications of burns:

• First-degree burns are considered minor. They can cause red skin but rarely blister. Some first-degree burns are fine if treated at home but some cases require a visit to urgent care (for example, if the burn measures larger than 3 inches or is located on your face or a major joint).
• Second-degree burns are considered more serious than first-degree burns and cause blistering and thickening of the skin. Most second-degree burns heal within 2 to 3 weeks but can take longer and require a visit to your local urgent care center. The length of recovery is dependent on the severity and size of the burn and blistering.
• Third-degree burns are considered major and require a trip to the Emergency Room. They can cause a widespread thickening of the skin, as well as a white or black leathery appearance.
• Fourth-degree burns are the most serious as they extend beyond the skin into tendons and bones.

Common Myths about Treatment for Burns

Myths about how to treat a minor burn are numerous and these incorrect first aid treatments can be dangerous and cause more damage than cure. They include various home remedies like covering a burn with butter, grease or oil. Doing so will only cause the skin to retain heat (which is exactly the opposite of what you want to do). It also can make it difficult for medical staff to clean the affected area. Other wild misconceptions include things like applying toothpaste, cold meat, vinegar, mustard, whipped cream and even fish sauce!

Suggested Treatment for Burns

When you need to act fast, it’s important to know what to do to treat a minor burn. First, remove the source of heat (including clothes if necessary) and cool the area by immersing the burn in cool, sterile water (not ice) or saline solution. You also may cover the affected area with a cool, wet dressing until the burning stops. In the case of a chemical burn, dilute the chemical agent by irrigating with water continuously.

Seek Immediate Attention for Burns at eMedical Urgent Care

Even simple burns should be treated properly (and immediately) to prevent bacterial infections. If the burn is the size of your palm or larger, seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment of minor burns greatly impacts how well you heal. eMedical Urgent Care treats first- and second-degree burns and injuries at both of our locations. Learn more about our services and how we can treat you by calling our location in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey (908) 464-6700, or Middletown, New Jersey (732) 957-0707.