A burn injury can cause severe damage to the skin and skin cells. Burn injuries are often extremely painful. Victims can experience long-term disabilities, significant scarring and disfigurement from a burn. Thermal burns are often the most common, but not the only cause of burn. Some other causes of burns can include:
- Friction burn
- Cold burn
- Radiation burn
- Chemical burn
- Electric burn
The severity of a burn often depends on a few factors, such as the cause of the burn, the amount of time the skin was exposed and the area of the burn. There are four severities of burns. Here is what you should know:
First-degree burns
Many people experience first-degree burns. These burns typically are superficial, at most causing the skin to turn red. First-degree burns may be painful at first and become dry and irritable over time, but there are typically no blisters. Sunburns are a common type of first-degree burn. This only affects the outer layer of the skin and may darken the skin, but the injury can go away after a few days to a week when there is cream or lotion applied.
Second-degree burns
A second-degree burn affects the outer and middle layers of the skin. The burn is often a lot more apparent than first-degree burns. A victim may find the area of the burn blistered and swollen. This kind of burn can take weeks to months to heal and may need medical intervention. Many people recover from second-degree burns.
Third-degree burns
When the outer and middle layers of the skin are destroyed and the underlying tissue is exposed or burned, then a victim has experienced a third-degree burn. Victims need to seek immediate medical care to heal from this injury.
Fourth-degree burns
Fourth-degree burns are the most severe. This kind of burn goes through the skin and underlying tissue to the muscle and bone. Victims of this kind of burn can suffer from severe injuries, disfigurement and limb loss.
If you or someone you know has been exposed to a burn and suffered severe injuries, then legal guidance may be required.
