Explosive Fire And Burn Injuries Overview

Explosive Fire And Burn Injuries Overview

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Several studies reveal that more than 500,000 people, majority of them are children, receive medical treatment for burn injuries every year. According to eMedicineHealth.com, more than 75 percent of these burn injuries are highly preventable.

3 Causes of Burn Injuries

Thermal burns. These are caused by flame, explosive fire, hot steam, hot and molten liquid, and direct contract from hot objects such as flat iron and cooking pan.

Electrical burns. Electrical energy from live wires can damage the skin.

Radiation burns. These can be caused by sun exposure (sunburn) and exposure to medical radiation treatment for cancer patients.

Chemical burns. Some common household products such as cleaning detergent, hair straightener, and other skin products may cause chemical burns especially when these are used incorrectly.

To avoid chemical burns, it is important to read the product labels and use gloves when handling harsh substances.

Types of Burn injuries

First degree burn or superficial burn. This injury only damages the epidermis which is the outer layer of the skin (this injury is in the form of sunburn).

Usually, a skin with superficial burns turns red which is painful.

Second degree burn or partial thickness burn. In this injury, the epidermis and dermis (the second layer of skin) are affected.

Usually, the affected area will turn red and form blisters which are painful. In some severe cases, the burn also damages the nerve endings, hair follicles, and sweat glands.

Third degree burn or full thickness burn. This is the most severe type of burn injuries where the epidermis, dermis, blood vessels, sweat glands, and hair follicles are damaged or destroyed.

In the most severe cases, bones, muscles, and internal organs are also damaged.
Patients with third degree burns usually feel no pain and sensation. The skin will also appear dry (leathery) and charred or pearly white.

Self-care Treatment

(Note: This should only be performed when the injury is minor or the procedure is advised by a doctor.)

Submerge the affected area in water for at least 30 seconds. Some doctors also advice people to soak the burned skin with milk which contains fats and proteins which can promote fast healing.

To relieve the pain, patients can put a cool compress. (Do not use ice; doing so may even worsen the injuries.) Pain killer such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can also be taken.

To clean the affected area, use antibiotic ointment which can also prevent infection (only applicable to superficial burns).

When the skin has blisters, do not remove these at home especially when the affected area involves the soles of the feet or the palm of the hands.

About the Author:
Our Los Angeles lawyers are experienced in handling personal injury cases involving fire and burn injuries. For consultation, log on to our website and avail of our free case analysis.



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