What you need to know about differences between burns

On Behalf of | Jul 17, 2020 | Burn Injuries

There are different types and degrees of burns. Burns can be mild to severe and even life-threatening. They can affect the uppermost layers of skin and possibly even underlying tissue depending on the type of burn that it is.

Burns can vary in degree from first to fourth-degree, which is from least to most severe. In terms of thickness, burns can be superficial, superficial partial, deep partial and full.

Superficial first-degree burns are the least critical and affect the epidermis. Injury sites such as these tend to appear red and swollen and are quite painful.

Second-degree burns generally have a superficial partial-thickness appearance. They affect both the dermis and papillary regions of the skin. Some of these wounds develop blisters, are painful, swell up and cause the surrounding skin to appear splotchy.

Third-degree burns generally have deep partial-thickness and impact both the dermis and reticular portions of the skin. These types of wounds typically have a white leathery appearance but are relatively painless.

Fourth-degree burns have full thickness. These affect the hypodermis or subcutaneous portions of a person’s skin. Individuals with this type of burn injury may develop eschar formations or a lack of sensitivity along their skin’s surface. Their wounds may also assume a charred appearance.

If you have suffered third to fourth-degree burns on 15% or more of your body, you’re at particularly high risk for complications. Doctors will try to assess how much of a patient’s body that the burns cover.

Your head and each arm take up 9% of your body mass. The front and back of your torso each add up 18%. Your genital region makes up 1% of your body.

If you have suffered severe burn injuries, then you’re sure to have significant medical bills and future care costs. Fortunately, Georgia law allows you to hold negligent parties accountable for their indiscretions that resulted in you getting hurt. An attorney here in Augusta may advise you of your right to hold the negligent party who left you injured responsible for their actions.