Burns are serious injuries that can be deceptively shallow. The damage and pain that extreme heat can cause may not be perceived right away because of dead or stunned nerves. The sealing effect of heat may not generate the obvious blood loss and sore appearance that many other injuries cause.
There a few common mistakes that burn victims make that can make their situation worse. Topical burns should often be run under cold water to minimize the heat damage. Some people cannot stand the cold for very long, but it is best to run burns under cold water for 10 to 15 minutes. Although it is traditional to apply butter or milk to burns, this is not a good idea because it can cause them to retain heat and delay healing.
Remaining skin, even over blisters, should be left intact to prevent infection or scarring. Avoiding direct sunlight is also important after a burn is suffered, even several months or years later. The radiation from the sun has a higher negative effect on healing skin. Medical attention, including a possible tetanus booster, is a good idea in the case of burns that may not even seem that serious at first.
People who are burned due to other people’s actions may require extra help to recover from the resulting injuries. Financial damages may include reimbursement for actual medical expenses and compensation for the pain and emotional distress caused by an injury. It’s wise to seek the help of an experienced attorney who can help you seek the compensation you need and deserve.