What to Know About Burn Injuries

The skin is an important part of the body, as it stores water and fat, prevents water loss and bacteria, and regulates body temperature. The skin is also the largest organ, so when it is damaged due to a burn injury, it can be painful and debilitating.

Burns can be caused by hot metals, scalding liquids, flames, chemicals, electrical current, and the sun. When someone else’s negligence causes you to suffer a burn, it’s important to get proper compensation.

Types of Burns

Burns can be placed into four categories:

• First-degree burn. This type of burn only affects the outer layer of skin. The burn may be red and painful. A sunburn is an example.
• Second-degree burn. This type of burn affects the epidermis and part of the dermis. The burn may be red, swollen, and painful. There may also be blisters.
• Third-degree burn. Third-degree burns destroy the epidermis and dermis. The burn site may appear white and charred.
• Fourth-degree burn. A fourth-degree burn is the most severe. Bones, muscles, or tendons are burned. Nerve endings are destroyed, which means there is no feeling.

Burn Treatment

Most minor burns can be treated at home with aloe vera and antibiotic creams such as Neosporin. These burns usually heal within a couple of weeks.

For more serious burns, you will need medical treatment in various forms, including medications, wound dressings, surgery, and physical therapy. You may need IV infusions to prevent dehydration as well as special burn creams and ointments. You will need dry gauze and other wound dressings to keep the burn covered. You may also need pain medications, as burns can be very painful.

Those with severe burns may require treatment at specialized burn centers. Large wounds may require skin grafts. You will also need extensive follow-up care, such as physical therapy. Such a burn may require a team of medical experts, such as plastic surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, infectious disease specialists, psychologists, occupational workers, physical therapists, and respiratory therapists. The goals of treatment are to control pain, remove dead tissue, prevent infection, reduce scarring, and regain function.

Effects of Burns

A severe burn can cause more than just physical effects. A person can suffer emotionally as well. Those with severe burns may suffer amputation, loss of mobility, disfigurement, and scarring. Severe burns can penetrate deep and cause muscle or tissue damage that can have lasting effects. Burns can also cause emotional problems such as depression, nightmares, or flashbacks from the traumatizing event.

Contact Us Today

Burns can be catastrophic in nature, resulting in high costs and a lot of pain and suffering. They can also cause deformities and self-esteem issues.

If you have suffered a burn due to someone else’s negligence, contact the New York burn injury lawyers at Cohan Law Firm. Learn more by scheduling a free consultation. Call our office today at (855) 855-0321 or (212) 601-2693.

Source:

hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/burns