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How to Properly Treat a Burn Injury

Posted By Aguirre Law | September 25 2023 | Personal Injury

While all burns are a type of tissue damage, their treatment can vary. Burns range from minor medical issues to life-threatening situations requiring emergency care. Burn injury treatment depends on the severity of the burn and the location of the burn on the body.

The following is a guide to properly treat a burn injury. If you have specific questions or concerns about a burn injury, contact a medical provider for answers.

If you suffered a burn injury through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical costs and other injury-related losses. An experienced burn injury attorney in San Antonio can offer you valuable advice and guidance about a burn injury claim or a personal injury lawsuit.

Types of Burn Injuries

There are three types of burn injuries. These are first, second, and third-degree burn injuries. 

First-degree burns affect only the top layer of the skin. These burns are minor and cause redness and swelling.

First-degree burns can usually be treated at home with cool running water, an over-the-counter pain reliever, and aloe vera or another topical burn gel. A first-degree burn may be covered with sterile gauze or a bandage.

Second-degree burns affect the first two layers of the skin. These burns may blister and be very painful. The skin of a second-degree burn may be red, white, or splotchy.

Third-degree burns penetrate the skin to the fat layer. These burns can make skin appear leathery and discolored. 

Third-degree burns can be black, white, or brown. Third-degree burns may feel numb because they destroy nerve tissue.

Burn Injury Assessment and Treatment

Second and third-degree burns need to be assessed and treated by a medical professional. Serious burn injury victims may need to be transferred to a burn center.

Burn injury treatment may initially include any of the following:

  • Water-based treatments;
  • Fluids to prevent dehydration;
  • Pain and anxiety medications;
  • Burn ointments and creams;
  • Wound dressings;
  • Infection-fighting antibiotics; and
  • A tetanus shot.

The goals of burn injury treatment go far beyond emergency medical treatment. 

Burn Injury Treatment Goals

Burn injury treatment is an ongoing process. The goals of burn injury treatment are to:

  • Control pain;
  • Remove dead tissue;
  • Prevent infection;
  • Reduce scarring; 
  • Regain function.

Some of these goals call for long-term burn injury care and numerous surgical procedures.

Regaining Function and Confidence

Regaining function and confidence after a severe burn injury may require regular physical and occupational therapy to stretch the skin and keep the joints flexible. A burn injury victim may also undergo skin grafting or plastic surgery to replace scar tissue and improve the appearance of burn scars. 

Burn injury victims may also find support groups helpful for coping with the challenges of scarring, surgeries, and reduced mobility. 

Contact an Experienced San Antonio Burn Injury Attorney Today

If you are struggling with a burn injury and are unsure of where to turn for help, call the attorneys at The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC. We have successfully helped other burn injury victims in San Antonio and will gladly review your case at no cost.

The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC, has decades of experience to put to work for you. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options as the victim of a burn injury.

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