Burn Care

When you or a loved one has a burn injury, look to Spectrum Health for personalized care that helps you heal.

Burns are classified based on how deep they go and how much damage they cause:

• First-degree burn – Affects only the outer layer of skin; may be red and dry without any blisters
• Second-degree burn – Reaches the second layer of skin; may be red, blistered, glossy-looking and swollen
• Third-degree burn – Destroys both layers of skin and reaches the tissues below; might not feel painful because your nerves are damaged

You can care for many first-degree burns and small second-degree burns at home. Or, take advantage of timely care from Spectrum Health:

• Visit an urgent care center or walk-in clinic
• Connect to an on-demand video visit

Some burns need specialized treatment right away. Visit an emergency room or the Spectrum Health Regional Burn Center when you experience:

• Burn and a chronic (long-term) condition that affects healing, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease
• Burn on your face, hands, feet or groin
• Chemical or electrical burn
• Exposure to smoke, chemicals or gases that could damage your airways
• Second-degree burns on more than 10% of your body
• Third-degree burns

Get in-person care for your burn close to home. If you need advanced care, rely on us to coordinate a smooth transfer to our burn center in Grand Rapids.