When should I see a doctor about a burn?

When a burn exceeds 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter, seek medical assistance. If the burn occurs on your face, hands, scalp, joint area or other sensitive or thin-skinned area, you should see a doctor. If the burn is a chemical or electrical burn, call for emergency help.

Seek medical attention for your burn when the burn is at least 5% of your total body surface area, deep 2nd degree or 3 degree burn, involves the vital facial structures (peri-oral or peri-orbital areas), inhalation injury, or signs of infection (fever, celluitis, increase swelling, or pain).