Treatment for Burn Injuries

Burn injuries require immediate attention. For Kansas City burn victims, knowledge of burn categories and treatments can help ensure that the correct measures are taken. Failure to follow the correct treatments can result in unnecessary pain and suffering, as well as further tissue damage.

First degree burns

This category of burn injury is the least serious. First degree burns affect only the epidermis. The skin will normally turn red and swell. The skin will be sore. A first degree burn is a mild burn and should be treated as such. The exception to this is when the first degree burn covers the majority of any of the following areas (in which case the burn should be considered more serious):

1. Hands
2. Feet
3. Groin or buttocks
4. Face
5. Knee or elbow

Watch the burn for signs of infection. Seek medical advice if the first degree burn does not show clear signs of healing within a few days.

Second degree burns

This category of burn injury is characterized by blisters, severe pain, swelling, and red, blotchy skin. Second degree burns affect the top two layers of skin, the dermis and the epidermis. Treatment for second degree burns will depend on which category they fall under: mild burns or severe burns.

Mild burns are no more than three inches across and should be treated by running the burn under cool faucet water for about five minutes or until the pain subsides. You can submerge the area if it is too difficult to run under the faucet. Cool the burn to help lessen the pain, but DO NOT use ice on a burn.

Once cooled, you can then cover a mild burn with sterile gauze, loosely bound to the skin. The point of the bandage is to protect the burn from dirt and to help alleviate the pain. Over the counter pain medications can be given to help alleviate any pain or discomfort.

Third degree burns

Burns that do not hurt are usually third degree burns. Third degree burns affect three layers of skin, damaging the nerves and the surrounding tissue. Third degree burns can appear charred and black or somewhat translucent.

Third degree burns can be so serious that they affect tissue clear down to the bone. Severe burns require immediate medical attention. Call for paramedics if you are attending a burn victim that you suspect has suffered third degree burns.

Do not try to remove clothing from the burn site. Unless the clothing is smoldering, it should not be touched. Avoid putting large burns in cold water or shock may set in. Be sure that the burn victim is breathing. Follow the instructions of emergency services and administer CPR if indicated. Position the burned area of the body above the heart whenever possible. Cover the injury with a sterile, damp cotton cloth if possible.

Burns are sometimes caused by the negligence of another. If you or a family member has suffered burn injuries, the personal injury lawyers at the Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys offer a free consultation. You can reach them by calling toll free 888-348-2616. Download your free copy of the resource guide 10 Essential Steps You Must Take To Protect Your Injury Claim for more helpful information.

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