As a general rule, first and second degree burns that are smaller than a silver dollar can be treated without a doctor. First degree burns, such as a sunburn, are superficial and cause the skin to turn red. Second degree burns are deeper and tend to blister and ooze. First and second degree burns are painful. Third degree burns, however, are painless because nerve endings have been destroyed. They are charred, white, or cream colored. All third degree burns and second degree burns that are extensive or on the face should be treated by a physician.