First Aid Tips to Keep in Mind That May Help After a Burn Injury

Introduction

A burn happens when your skin is damaged by things like flames, hot water, chemicals, electricity, or even too much sun. Some burns are minor and can be treated at home, while others are more serious and need medical care right away. 

While treating the injury is always the first priority, it’s also necessary to understand how the burn happened, especially if it wasn’t your fault. In those situations, it’s also important to have some guidance on filing a burn injury lawsuit, as knowing your legal options can be just as important as medical care, especially when the injury is caused by someone else’s actions.

Classifications of burn

Not all burns fall under the same type; therefore, before you treat a burn, it’s important to understand how serious it is. Burns are typically classified by the extent of skin damage.

First-degree burns

These are considered the mildest. The symptoms appear as the skin is red and sore, similar to sunburn. They usually heal in a few days and don’t leave a scar.

Second-degree burns

These are more painful. The skin may blister and look wet. These burns often require medical attention and can take several weeks to heal.

Third-degree burns

These are serious. The skin might look white, brown, or even charred. There might not be much pain at first because the nerves are damaged. This type of burn requires immediate emergency care.

What to Do Right After a Burn

When a burn happens, stay calm and act fast. The first few minutes are very crucial after your burning incident.

• Cool it down: Run cool (not ice-cold) water over the burned area for 10–15 minutes. This helps reduce swelling and pain. Avoid using ice; it can exacerbate the situation.
• Remove anything tight: Gently take off rings, bracelets, or clothing around the burn before the area starts to swell. Be careful, do not pull or peel if it’s stuck to the skin.
• Dress up the burn: Wrap the burn in a soft cotton cloth or a non-stick bandage. It helps protect and prevent infection and protects the skin.
• Skip the home remedies: Avoid butter, toothpaste, or oil as these can trap heat and increase the risk of infection. Stick to cool water and clean coverings.
• Take a pain reliever: Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with pain and swelling.
• Use a pain reliever: Take over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen, to reduce pain and swelling.
• Stay hydrated and rest: Burns take energy to heal. Drink plenty of liquids, eat balanced meals, and allow your body to rest.

When a Burn Becomes a Bigger Problem

Some burns need more than first aid. If you see any of these signs, get medical help right away:

• The burn is bigger than 3 inches.
• It’s on the face, hands, feet, groin, or over a major joint.
• Skin looks dry, leathery, or blackened.
• There’s a lot of pain, or the person seems confused or dizzy.
• There are signs of infection, such as pus, fever, or swelling.

Burns can also lead to long-term problems, like scarring, reduced movement, or emotional trauma.

When Burns Happen Because of Someone Else’s Mistake

Sometimes burn injuries happen because someone else was careless, like a landlord ignoring a faulty heater or a restaurant spilling hot coffee on a customer. In those situations, you may have the right to take legal action.

Talk to an injury lawyer

A personal injury lawyer can guide and help you understand your rights. You might be able to get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and even emotional stress.

What to do if you’re thinking of filing a claim:

• Keep medical records and bills
• Take photos of the injury and the scene where it happened
• Write down what happened, including the time and names of people involved
• Save any clothing or items related to the injury

Treat your injury seriously, and don’t hesitate to get help if you need it, whether it’s from a doctor or a lawyer.