First aid or treating the wound should be the first thing on your mind when you get burned. Burns are painful, can be more severe than what it may look like on the surface, and can become infected without proper treatment. If you do get burned, follow these basic tips for identifying and treat burns before seeking out medical assistance.
First-Degree Burns
Involving the outer layer of skin, first-degree burns are minor burns that usually cause swelling, redness, and mild pain. These burns can be treated by:
- Holding a cold compress against the wound
- Applying aloe vera or burn cream to the affected area
- Taking an over-the-counter pain medication
If your first-degree burn covers a large majority of your skin, including the buttocks and genitals, seek medical attention immediately.
Second-Degree Burns
More serious than first-degree burns, second-degree burns can cause blistering, pain, and swelling of the burned area. Treatment depends on the size of the burn:
- 3 inches or less in diameter: Treat as a minor/first-degree burn
- If burn covers a large area: Seek medical assistance immediately.
Third-Degree Burns
The most serious of all burn wounds, third-degree burns involve injury to the outer layer of skin, fat, and sometimes muscle and bone. Wounds can be charred black or white. The person would have difficulty breathing, be in extreme pain, and may enter shock. For these burns, seek medical assistance immediately. Do not attempt to treat the individual by yourself.
Burns can happen at work, at home, or even during a car accident. If you’ve been burned in an accident, contact an experienced injury lawyer today. Pennsylvania and New Jersey personal injury attorney James W. Sutton, III has been successfully protecting the rights of injury victims in our community for over 17 years.
