Guide To Burn Injuries

Many people suffer burns from cooking, car accidents, workplace injuries, the sun, and other causes. While many burns are minor and don’t require medical treatment, some are more severe and even life-threatening.

Burns are catastrophic injuries that can cause permanent damage. They can damage layers of skin, fat, nerves, and even bones. When burns are caused by third parties, it is possible to recover compensation for injuries and other damages.

Degrees of Burns

A burn can result in various symptoms, depending on its severity, or degree. There are four degrees of burns:

• First-degree. This is the most minor burn, affecting just the outer layer of the skin. It may be painful and cause redness.
• Second-degree. With this burn, both the epidermis and the second layer of skin are affected. It can cause swelling, red or white skin, blisters, and severe pain.
• Third-degree. This degree of burn is severe enough to burn the layer of fat beneath the skin. The burned skin may be leathery and black, white, or brown in color. This burn can also cause numbness due to damaged nerves.
• Fourth-degree. This is the most severe burn, damaging both layers of skin, deeper tissue, muscles, nerves, and even bones.

Treatment for Burns

Minor burns can be treated at home. Here are some steps to take:

• Cool the burn. Put cool water on the burn until the pain subsides. Avoid ice or cold water, which can cause further damage.
• Apply lotion. Apply an aloe vera lotion or moisturizer to the burn. This will keep the burn from drying out and help relieve pain.
• Bandage the burn. Use a sterile gauze bandage to cover the burn. This reduces pain and protects the skin.
• Take medications. Medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen sodium can help with pain relief.

When a person suffers a major burn, the focus will be on preventing infection, controlling pain, reducing scarring, and regaining function. Common treatments for more serious burns include:

• Burns can be painful. Your doctor may prescribe pain and anti-anxiety medications. You may be given IV antibiotics if you have an infection.
• Burn creams. Burn creams such as bacitracin and silver sulfadiazine can promote healing and prevent infection.
• Dry gauze and specialty wound dressings will be used to cover the wound and help with the healing process.
• IV fluids can help prevent dehydration, which can lead to organ failure.

Severe burns may require treatment in a burn center. Treatment may require skin grafts and physical therapy. Plastic surgery may also be needed to help with scarring. Those with extensive burns or burns around the face and neck may require breathing assistance, such as a tube down the windpipe.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

While many burns are minor, some are very serious, requiring skin grafts and other treatment. In some cases, they can cause scarring and disfigurement.

Moore Law has more than 25 years of experience handling personal injury cases. If your burn injury was caused by a negligent third party, our Tampa catastrophic injury attorney can help you with financial recovery. Schedule a free consultation today by filling out the online form or calling 813-510-5400.

Resource:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burns/symptoms-causes/syc-20370539