4 Most Common Types of Burn Injuries

Burns are among the most common injuries in the United States. Every year, U.S. medical facilities treat 398,000 burn injuries, according to the American Burn Association. Burns can happen at home, in the workplace, or outdoors, and the different types of burn injuries can vary greatly.

While burn injuries are often associated with fire, they can also be caused by other substances. Here’s what you need to know about the different degrees of burns and the most common ways these injuries can happen in Ohio.

Degrees of Burn Injuries

The medical community divides burn injuries into four degrees. These degrees are not only useful in identifying the severity of the burn, but they can also guide you on when to seek medical attention and consult a burn injury lawyer.

First-Degree Burn

First-degree burns are considered superficial, as they only damage the outermost layer of the skin. Symptoms of a first-degree burn include pain and reddened skin, but no blisters.

They are commonly caused by contact with a hot stove, hair curling or flattening irons, or hot liquid or steam. The sun may also burn the top layer of the skin. As the least serious burn, first-degree burns may be treated at home.

Second-Degree Burn

A second-degree burn damages the top two skin layers. Also known as partial thickness burns, they can be caused by fire, hot objects, scalding from steam or boiling water, chemicals, and electricity. Signs are skin discoloration — red or brown — pain, swelling, and peeling skin.

Unlike first-degree burns, second-degree burns may cause blisters. If the burn covers a large area, blistering may be a signal to seek medical attention. Otherwise, the burn may be treated at home.

Third-Degree Burn

Third-degree burns, or full-thickness burns, destroy the top three skin layers, fatty tissue, and sometimes nerve endings and sweat glands. They require medical attention, possibly even skin grafting or reconstructive surgery.

Third-degree burn victims will notice the burn area has a charred appearance, but if nerve endings were destroyed, they will not immediately feel pain. There will also be swelling, blistering, and, as the area heals, scarring. Third-degree burns can be caused by fires, radiation, electricity, and extremely cold substances, such as dry ice.

Fourth-Degree Burn

The fourth-degree burn is the most severe type of burn and requires immediate medical care. Often life-threatening, these burns penetrate and damage all skin layers and tissue. They may also extend to muscle and bone.

Generally, a fourth-degree burn victim will not feel pain because the nerve endings were destroyed. These burns can be caused by hot stoves and irons, flames, and chemicals.

4 Common Types of Burn Injuries in Ohio

Although thermal sources cause the majority of burn injuries, you can suffer a burn from contact with or exposure to other sources. Four common types of burn injuries in Ohio include:

1. Chemical Burns

Substances found in most households, workplaces, and the environment can be a source of burn injuries. Chemicals that cause burns include:

• Acids, such as sulfuric, muriatic acid, nitric, hydrofluoric, hydrochloric, and acetic
• Oxidants, like bleach and peroxide
• Bases, such as ammonia, sodium and potassium hydroxide, and sodium and calcium hypochlorite

Like all burns, chemical burns can be first-degree, second-degree, and, albeit less frequently, third-degree. When it affects more than one skin layer and covers a larger area, medical attention should be sought.

2. Electrical Burns

An electric burn can occur from contact with a high voltage of 1,000 volts or greater, or a low voltage of less than 1,000 volts. Appliances, wiring, and lightning strikes are three well-known sources of electrical burns.

In addition to burns, symptoms include headache, weakness, numbness or tingling, lightheadedness, and heart arrhythmias. A burn mark may be located where the current entered or exited the body. They may also be arc burns, which result from electricity arcing in the air, exposing the body but not always entering it.

Electrical burns also have three degrees, with the severity corresponding to the amount of electricity and how long the victim had contact with it. Severe electrical burns are often life-threatening, sometimes requiring resuscitation.

3. Radiation Burns

Radiation burns can occur after exposure to the sun or medical diagnostic tools and therapies that use radiation. Some 4 million patients undergo radiation therapy each year, and nearly all experience radiation burns, also called radiation dermatitis.

Symptoms include reddened or darkened skin, itchiness, peeling skin, swelling, and blisters. About 20% of patients who receive radiation treatment experience serious symptoms.

4. Inhalation Burns

Inhalation injuries are caused by inhaling smoke from fires, chemicals, pollution, and other substances. Hot temperatures may also cause this type of injury, which can sear the respiratory tissues when inhaled.

Signs include coughing, scratchy throat, sinus irritation, chest pain, headache, and stinging eyes. Inhalation injuries can also be deadly, accounting for more than 50% of fire fatalities in the United States.

FAQ

What Is a Scald Burn?

Scalds happen when the skin comes in contact with hot liquid or steam, which can damage one or more skin layers. Between 85% and 90% of scald burns occur while cooking, serving, or drinking hot beverages.

What Are Some Complications of Third-Degree Burns?

Arrhythmia, scarring, edema, infection, organ failure, and pneumonia are potential complications of third-degree burns.

What Are Common Products That Cause Chemical Burns?

Many products can cause chemical burns, from batteries, bleach, and cement to chlorine, drain cleaners, and fertilizer. Gasoline, paint thinners, and pesticides can also be culprits.

If You Need a Burn Injury Attorney, Turn to The Moore Law Firm

A burn injury can leave you with mounting medical bills and significant stress. Our experienced Cincinnati attorneys can provide the trusted legal assistance you need to protect your future. If you or a loved one suffered a burn injury, contact The Moore Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.