Burn Classifications: Know How to Properly Treat a Burn Injury

Burns can vary widely depending on the type of accident that caused the injury and its severity. Many individuals are aware that burns are classified as first, second, or third degree burns, but do not know what constitutes each classification level.

If you or a colleague have suffered from any type of burn as a result of a workplace accident, seek medical intervention as soon as possible. Burns can lead to permanent disfigurement, loss of sensation in the affected area of the body, and other lifelong complications. After receiving a diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment for a burn, contact an experienced workplace injury attorney to discuss the next steps toward filing a workplace injury claim for compensation for your losses.

First-degree burns are the least serious type of burn. They are often referred to as “superficial burns” because they only affect the outer layer of the skin. But despite this name, a first-degree burn can create significant damage to the skin and should not be ignored.

To treat a first-degree burn, apply a cold compress to the affected area or run it under cool water. Though you might be tempted to apply ice, do not do this, as the extreme cold can cause additional tissue damage. Use pain relievers like ibuprofen to relieve the pain and wrap the burn in a clean, gauze bandage. First-degree burns generally heal within a few days.

Second-degree burns go deeper than the surface of the skin. This is the type of burn that can result in blistering and prolonged soreness in the affected area. Although this type of burn often resolves itself within two to three weeks, a severe example may require skin grafting to heal completely.

With a second-degree burn, run the affected area under cool water for up to 15 minutes. Wrap the wound in bandages and change them regularly. When blisters appear, do not intentionally burst them, but do apply an antibiotic ointment.

These are the most serious type of burn. Third-degree burns reach through all layers of the skin, potentially affecting a victim's organs, arteries, and bones. Third-degree burns can result in death in some cases. Unlike other types of burn, there is generally surprisingly little pain with a third-degree burn because the nerves are severely damaged from the heat. The skin can become white and appear to be leathery from this type of burn.

When a victim suffers a third-degree burn, he or she needs immediate medical attention. Small third-degree burns can heal on their own after months of attentive care while large burns can require skin grafting for the victim to make a full recovery.

Burns can range from fairly minor or serious to the point that they impact an individual for the rest of his or her life. If you have been burned in a workplace accident, you could be entitled to monetary compensation for your losses. Learn more about seeking monetary compensation from an experienced San Jose workplace injury attorney at Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. today.

• Burn Center