Treatment for Severe Burn Injuries in North Carolina

Burn injuries are incredibly painful and can be caused by flames, hot liquid, steam, or fires. When the skin comes into contact with hot liquid like grease or tar, burns can happen. Medical professionals determine the severity of burns based on the depth of how many layers of the skin the burn damaged and the size of the burn in terms of the percentage of the total body surface area covered by the burn.

In order to determine the proper burn treatment, medical professionals must accurately determine the severity of the burn. Minor burns, though painful can often heal without serious medical treatment. However, severe burns require immediate medical attention that often includes transfer to a specialized burn center. A severe burn injury can be extremely painful and dangerous due to the increased likelihood of infection. Severe burns can also negatively affect mobility and can cause a high degree of scarring and disfigurement.

First-degree burns are the least severe types of burns. First-degree burns are superficial, meaning they only injure the first layer of a person’s skin. Typically, these mild burn injuries do not require medical treatment. However, some first-degree burns do end up requiring medical treatment, especially if they are large. It is always wise to have a doctor look at a burn injury to ensure that more treatment is not needed.

The symptoms of a first-degree burn include swelling, redness, and pain. Mild first-degree burns, like some sunburns, may begin to peel within a day or so. While first-degree burns are mild, they can be painful, especially if a large area of the body is affected by the burn. First-degree burns are often treated at home with over-the-counter products. Do not apply any type of oil or butter to the burn, as it traps heat into the burn site. Doctors often prescribe or recommend options such as lotion, antibiotic ointment, and aloe vera to help first-degree burns by repairing the damaged skin.

Second-degree burns are also referred to as partial-thickness burns. They are more severe than first-degree burns and affect the epidermis, or outer layer of skin, along with the dermis which is the second layer of skin. Second-degree burns often take several weeks or longer to heal. Victims of second-degree burns are at risk for complications such as infection because of the depth of second-degree burns and the likely scenario of popped blisters exposing flesh to the open air and infectious bacteria.

Second-degree burns range from being relatively minor, such as a curling iron burn, to very serious and requiring immediate medical treatment. Treatment for second-degree burns can include some or all of the following procedures:

• Removing clothing or any other object that covers up the burn. Clothing that is overheated can make the skin continue to burn and cause more damage to the skin. When medical professionals cannot remove clothing without further damage, they leave it on temporarily.
• Cooling the burn by running the burn under cool water, but not cold water. Avoid placing ice on the burn as it could cause more damage.
• Second-degree burn victims should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Dehydration can be a complication of second and third-degree burns.
• Cover the burn with a loose dressing, but not tightly.
• Avoid breaking open any blisters in the burn area and applying any other home remedies without speaking to a medical professional first.
• Sometimes doctors prescribe antibiotics for burn injuries, especially if the person is at high risk of developing an infection. Severe infections may warrant treatment with fluid antibiotics given intravenously.

Third-degree burns are the most severe burns and the most difficult to treat. Third-degree burns go through the first two layers of skin into the fat that lies beneath. Third-degree burns appear waxy white, leathery, tan, or stiff. Third-degree burns frequently require treatment in a burn center. Skin grafts are also often needed for third-degree burns. In a skin graft surgery, the surgeon removes healthy skin from another area on the body and grafts it over the area of damaged skin. Victims of third-degree burns often have to undergo excruciating treatments such as debriding the burn wounds in a special medical bathtub.

If you have suffered a first, second, or third-degree burn injury in Charlotte, our lawyers can help. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact the skilled burn injury lawyers at Arnold & Smith, PLLC to schedule your initial consultation. Now taking cases throughout North Carolina with offices in Uptown Charlotte, Mooresville and Monroe.