Doctor bandaging patient's burn injury

How to Treat a Burn Injury

Burn injuries caused by fires can be devastating, impacting just about every aspect of your life. And while fires occur most commonly during the winter time, they can happen any time of year. With proper treatment of burns, the survival rate rests at 97 percent. That’s why it’s so important to understand how to properly treat burn injuries. Most burns require that you seek medical attention immediately. Here’s what to know about treating burn injuries of varying degrees. 

First-Degree Burns

The more severe a burn injury is, the higher its degree. First-degree burns impact the outermost layer of the skin. Most people will experience a first-degree burn during their lifetime. One example of a first-degree burn is a sunburn. Sunburns generally affect large areas of the body, though most first-degree burns impact smaller areas. First-degree burns are commonly caused by things such as clothing irons or straightening or curling irons for hair. First-degree burns generally appear as red, painful skin (especially when touched) will typically heal within a few days of occurring. Home remedies, such as aloe, cool compresses, antibiotic ointment, and sterile bandages can help to treat first-degree burns. 

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns are generally identifiable by red skin or blisters with pain and sometimes skin loss. Second-degree burns should always receive immediate medical attention and treatment regardless of the amount of skin impacted. 

Third- and Fourth-Degree Burns

The most serious type of burns are third- and fourth-degree burns, which can be excruciatingly painful – or not painful at all (at first). They are identifiable as black and charred or white skin. Third- and fourth-degree burns destroy the epidermis and the dermis, sometimes even impacting the subcutaneous tissue. 

Fourth-degree burns can actually impact your nerves, tendons, and tissue of your muscles. They can also result in permanent disfigurement. If you suffer a fourth-degree burn, be sure to elevate the area above your heart (when possible) and keep it covered with a moist bandage or clean cloth. Do not put large burns in water as this can lower your body temperature, resulting in hypothermia. Be sure to seek immediate medical attention. 

The Attorneys at Rochelle McCullough Help Those in Dallas Who Have Suffered Burn Injuries

When you have suffered a burn injury caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you are left to deal with the physical issues and often faced with handling the financial ramifications that accompany them. You should not be held responsible for someone else’s negligence. You may be entitled to compensation. Be sure to speak with a qualified Texas personal injury attorney as soon as possible. 

The lawyers at Rochelle McCullough help burn victims to get their lives and their livelihood back on track. We will fight for your rights. To schedule a consultation, contact us today.