Burns can be extremely painful. Not only that but in some cases, the damage done by burns can be permanent. This all depends on the extent of the injury.
Burns are classified by degree, ranging from first degree to fourth degree. Outlined below is an overview of the varying degrees of burn injuries.
First-degree burns
First-degree burns are the most minor type. That’s not to say that they aren’t painful, but they do not typically leave any permanent scarring or cause health complications. Generally, the sufferer will experience mild discomfort and redness of the skin and will start to heal within a matter of days. These burns only impact the outer layer of the skin.
Second-degree burns
Second-degree burns are slightly more serious. They impact the outer layer of the skin and the dermis layer. Often, the injury site will blister and become swollen. However, most second-degree burns do not result in permanent scarring.
Third and fourth-degree burns
Third and fourth-degree burns are much more serious, and they can even be life-threatening. These burns impact all layers of the skin and spread to the tissues, muscles, tendons and bones. Third and fourth-degree burns are often seen in victims of car accidents and house fires.
Burns of this nature will always leave some form of scarring, and if enough of the body is covered, they can be fatal. Another risk of this type of burn is infection. Damaged skin and tissue are much more vulnerable to these.
If your burns were caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Seek legal guidance to find out more about personal injury law.