The Different Degrees of Burn Injuries| The Different Types of Burn Accidents and Injuries
Burn injuries can be among the most painful and debilitating forms of trauma, with far-reaching consequences, including increased susceptibility to infection, loss of range of motion or flexibility, dehydration and fluid loss, hypothermia (a lowering of your body temperature), changes in your body’s natural immunities, permanent scarring and disfigurement, and even the potential for loss of limb. Though there is a range of severity with different types of burns, even relatively minor burns can have significant ramifications.
The Different Degrees of Burn Injuries
As a general rule, most burn injuries fall within three categories:
- First-degree burns—A first-degree burn is characterized by minor or minimal skin irritation or damage. Generally referred to as “superficial burns,” first-degree burns affect only the outermost layer of skin, known as the epidermis. Telltale signs of a first-degree burn include:
- Tenderness or stinging, typically upon touching
- Red coloration of the skin
- Some swelling or inflammation
- Cracking or peeling of the skin as the wound heals
In most instances, a first-degree burn will fully heal in a week or two, typically without leaving any type of scab or scar. First-degree burns can usually be treated at home, unless the burn is larger than three inches across or is located at a major joint or on your face. In those situations, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician.
- Second-degree burns—A more serious burn, a second-degree burn goes beneath the epidermis, often causing your skin to form a blister. The burn may cause some pain and your skin may feel tight or restricted. Because your skin has blistered, there’s a greater risk that, once the burn heals, typically in two to three weeks, you’ll have some type of scar. For small blisters, you can typically use home remedies to heal. However, if you have a number of blisters or your blisters are large, you should seek medical attention, as you may need a skin graft.
- Third-degree burns—These burns affect all layers of your skin. You may be surprised that you don’t feel as much pain with a third-degree burn, but that may be due to nerve damage. Common symptoms of third-degree burns include charred skin, a raised or leathery texture to your skin, dark brown coloring or blisters that fail to develop. You never want to treat a third-degree burn at home. Have someone take you immediately to urgent care or the emergency room at a local hospital, or call 911.
The Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Serious burn injuries can result from a number of factors:
- Proximity to an open fire
- Skin contact with steam or hot liquids
- Skin contact with hot metal, glass or other objects
- Contact with certain chemicals, including inhalation of vapors with chemicals that burn
- Exposure to high voltage electrical current
Contact the Proven Personal Injury Lawyers at Bailey & Galyen
At the law offices of Bailey & Galyen, we understand the devastating impact any type of personal injury can have on every part of your life. We’ll aggressively protect your rights throughout the legal process, acting as your intermediary with insurance companies and as your voice in all meetings, hearings and legal proceedings. Contact us by e-mail or 844-402-2992 at one of the convenient locations listed below. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
