Burn injuries are a devastating experience for victims, not only causing physical pain and disfigurement but emotional distress as well.
Burn injuries can range in severity and often present unique challenges to those affected. Minor burns, while still painful, often heal without extensive medical intervention. However, those experiencing severe burns from more intense exposure may require complex treatments ranging from surgery to physical therapy that can extend many months or even years.
Victims may also suffer from PTSD, depression, anxiety, fear of future burn injuries, or even social anxiety due to scarring. This emotional anguish can have serious repercussions on the recovery journey and mental health of the victim in the long run.
Learn more about the repercussions of a burn injury and the long-term impact they can have on victims.
Different Degrees of Burns
Burns are categorized into varying degrees based on severity and symptoms, with first-degree burns being the mildest and third-degree burns being the most serious.
1st Degree Burn Symptoms
First-degree burns are considered the mildest form of burn and usually appear as a sunburn. The most common symptoms associated with these types of burns include:
- Redness
- Pain
- Localized swelling
- Blistering
The skin may also feel warm to the touch when pressure is applied and can become increasingly itchy as it begins to heal.
It is important to realize that although this type of burn does not cause severe damage to the surrounding tissue, proper care must still be taken for full recovery; otherwise, complications may arise. Seeking treatment right away and following your doctor’s instructions will help to reduce the chance of scarring or other complications.
2nd Degree Burn Symptoms
A second-degree burn can be a painful experience with severe symptoms. Common signs of a second-degree burn include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blistering
- Peeling skin
These symptoms usually appear in the affected area within 24-48 hours. In more severe cases, these burns may cause intense pain or even numbness due to nerve damage.
When assessing second-degree burns, it is important to consider their regional appearance and the amount of time since their initial onset. With proper medical treatment, these burns are likely to heal within two to three weeks with minimal scarring. Early diagnosis and intervention from a healthcare practitioner will ensure safe healing with maximum functionality of the affected skin tissue regained.
3rd Degree Burn Symptoms
A third-degree burn is a serious injury that can cause devastating damage to the skin. While mild sunburns may only leave you with some stinging and redness, a third-degree burn can cause permanent tissue damage and result in sensations of extreme pain.
Common symptoms of this type of burn include:
- Severe reddening or blanching of the skin
- Numbness in the affected area
- Blistering
- Swelling
- Cracking of the skin
- An appearance of charred or white skin
- Thickened patches where the nerves have been damaged
If someone experiences any of these symptoms after experiencing any burn, they should consult a medical professional as soon as possible to receive proper care.
Cosmetic Damages from Burn Injuries
Over time, burn injuries can lead to a host of cosmetic damage beyond just the initial blistering, redness, and scarring that many associate with burns. In particular, burn victims often suffer from contractures, which arise when burned skin tightens and causes limited mobility in affected areas such as the neck or joints.
Depigmentation can also occur due to either the burning of melanin or its draining away during the healing process. Of course, facial disfigurement is another factor: Burn patients often have dealt with difficulties like finding treatment options, adjusting to significant changes in their appearance, facing social stigma surrounding their disfigurations and/or scars, and developing adaptive strategies for participation in relationships and societal activities.
All of this serves as yet another reminder of why all individuals need to take proper precautions with fire safety.
Trauma Stemming from Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can also have a long-lasting psychological effect on those affected by them. Not only can the physical pain and discomfort be immense, but individuals may also experience feelings of shame, fear, or vulnerability as a result. It is not uncommon for people suffering from burn injuries to develop various symptoms of trauma, including anxiety, depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
When recovering from severe burn injuries, sufferers need to seek adequate psychological treatment in addition to medical care. This may involve strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapies, and/or medications that can provide comfort and help with the healing process.
With professional help and often an abundance of perseverance and courage, those affected by burn injuries can work towards overcoming the difficulties they face while learning to cope with their scars.
Have You Suffered from Long-Term Effects of Burns?
If you or someone you love has suffered burn injuries due to an accident, our team can help. DM Injury Law is here to represent victims of negligent actions. Contact our burn injury lawyers today for a free consultation and speak with a member of the DM Injury Law team about your case.