Burn injuries are among the most common and devastating forms of trauma, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. They can be caused by various sources, including heat, chemicals, electricity, and radiation, and they can lead to a range of complications depending on the severity and extent of the injury.
This guide will explore the different types, degrees, common causes, treatment, and potential complications of burn injuries.
At Joe Durham, our attorneys are here to help accident victims with these injuries get the compensation they deserve. Call 229-210-6226 today for a free consultation!
Types of Burns
Thermal Burns
Thermal burns are the most common type of burn injury. They occur due to exposure to heat sources such as flames, hot liquids, steam, or hot surfaces. These can damage the skin and underlying tissues, causing pain, redness, blistering, and tissue death.
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns result from exposure to corrosive substances such as acids, alkalis, solvents, or household cleaning agents, which cause tissue damage upon contact. These can occur from direct skin contact with chemicals or ingesting or inhaling chemical fumes.
Electrical Burns
Electrical burns happen when the body comes into contact with an electrical current, such as through live wires, faulty electrical appliances, lightning strikes, or high-voltage power lines. These can cause tissue damage, muscle contractions, irregular heart rhythms, and neurological complications.
Radiation Burns
Radiation burns are caused by exposure to ionizing radiation from sources such as the sun, X-rays, nuclear accidents, or radiation therapy for cancer treatment. These burns can damage the skin and underlying tissues, leading to inflammation, blistering, and tissue death.
Classification of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are classified into first-, second-, and third-degree burns.
First-Degree Burns
First-degree affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and are characterized by redness, pain, and minor swelling. These typically heal within a few days without scarring.
Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree extend into the deeper layers of the skin (dermis) and are characterized by blisters, severe pain, and redness. Healing may take several weeks, and scarring is common. Scond-degree ones often require medical attention, especially if they cover a significant portion of the body or are accompanied by symptoms such as blistering, severe pain, or signs of infection.
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree involve both layers of the skin (epidermis and dermis) and may extend into the underlying tissues. The skin appears white, blackened, or charred, and sensation may be impaired due to nerve damage.
Third-degree ones require medical attention, and skin grafting may be necessary to promote healing.
Common Causes of Burns
Burn injuries can occur in various settings and situations, including:
- Home accidents involving hot liquids, cooking fires, electrical appliances, or chemicals.
- Workplace incidents such as industrial accidents, chemical spills, or electrical malfunctions.
- Car accidents involving fires or explosions.
- Contact with hot surfaces or objects in recreational activities, such as grilling, camping, or DIY projects.
- Radiation exposure from medical procedures, sunburns, or occupational hazards in industries like nuclear power or radiology.
When to See a Doctor
People should seek medical attention for a burn injury in the following situations.
Severe Burns
Burns that are deep, cover a large area of the body, or involve sensitive areas such as the face, hands, feet, groin, or major joints require medical evaluation and treatment. These are more likely to result in complications and may necessitate specialized care, including surgical intervention and wound management.
Ssecond-degree ones often require medical attention, especially if they cover a significant portion of the body or are accompanied by symptoms such as blistering, severe pain, or signs of infection. Full-thickness burns that extend through all layers of the skin (third-degree burns) always require medical evaluation and treatment.
Electrical or Chemical Burns
Burns caused by electricity or corrosive chemicals can result in extensive tissue damage and systemic toxicity. Individuals with these inflictions may have internal injuries that are not immediately apparent, while chemical ones may continue to cause tissue damage if not properly treated. Prompt medical assessment is essential for managing these types of burns and minimizing complications.
Inhalation Injuries
Burns resulting from inhalation of smoke, steam, or toxic fumes can lead to airway obstruction, respiratory distress, or lung injury. Even if the external injuries appear minor, individuals with suspected inhalation injuries should seek immediate medical attention for evaluation and treatment of respiratory complications.
Signs of Infection
Burns are susceptible to bacterial colonization and infection, which can delay healing and lead to systemic complications. Individuals with injuries that become red, swollen, warm to the touch, or produce pus should seek medical care for assessment and management of infection.
Immunocompromised Individuals
People with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, or immunosuppressive medications are at increased risk of complications from burn injuries. These individuals should seek medical attention promptly for even minor scorches to prevent infections and facilitate healing.
Intense Pain
Severe pain associated with burn injuries can significantly impact a person’s comfort and well-being. Individuals experiencing intense or persistent pain despite home remedies or over-the-counter pain medications should consult a healthcare professional for assessment and appropriate pain management strategies.
Treatment for Burns
Treatment of burns depends on the type, severity, and extent of the injury but typically involves the following.
First Aid
Immediately cool the area with running water to reduce pain and minimize tissue damage. For thermal burns, you should cool the affected area with cool running water (not ice) for at least 10-20 minutes to reduce pain, inflammation, and tissue damage.
Cooling as soon as possible helps limit the depth of the injury and minimize the risk of complications. Once the injury has been cooled, gently clean the wound with mild soap and water to remove debris, dirt, or foreign particles. Cover the area with a clean, dry cloth or sterile dressing.
Medical Evaluation
Seek medical attention for all but minor burns, especially those involving large areas of the body, deep tissues, or critical areas such as the face, hands, feet, or genitals. People who suffer severe injuries are normally transported to a hospital that is equipped to provide specialized care for burn injuries.
Wound Care
In the case of mild burns, clean the wound with soap and water, remove any debris or foreign objects, and cover the area with a clean, dry cloth or sterile dressing. Topical antimicrobial ointments or dressings may be applied to prevent infection and create a moist wound environment conducive to healing.
In the case of serious scorches, damaged tissue may need to be removed. Medical professionals will carefully trim away dead tissue to promote wound healing.
Pain Management
Burn injuries can be extremely painful and adequate pain relief is essential. Analgesic medications such as acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or opioids may be used to alleviate pain and discomfort.
Medical professionals may also employ non-pharmacological pain management techniques, including distraction, relaxation exercises, and guided imagery.
Fluid Resuscitation
Extensive burns can lead to fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances, potentially resulting in hypovolemic shock. Intravenous fluids may be necessary to maintain hydration and prevent hypovolemic shock.
Complications
Burn injuries can lead to various complications, including the following.
- Infection: These wounds are susceptible to bacterial infection, which can delay healing, worsen tissue damage, and lead to systemic infections such as sepsis.
- Scarring and Contractures: Severe ones can result in hypertrophic scars, keloids, or contractures, limiting a person’s range of motion and functional abilities.
- Respiratory Complications: Inhalation injuries from smoke, steam, or chemical fumes can lead to airway obstruction, respiratory distress, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
- Psychological Impact: Burn injuries can have long-lasting psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and social isolation.
- Disfigurement and Disability: Extensive burns can cause permanent disfigurement, loss of limb function, or disability, requiring ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.
Conclusion
Burns can be caused by various sources, including heat, chemicals, electricity, and radiation, and they can lead to a range of complications depending on the severity and extent of the injury. Prompt recognition, appropriate first aid, and timely medical intervention are essential for optimizing recovery.
