Everything You Need to Know About Second-Degree Burns

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A burn injury is among the most horrible and painful injuries an individual can suffer. A report states that, in the US, roughly 2.4 million people suffer from burn injuries each year. And approximately 8,000 to 12,000 people die due to severe burn injuries. The numbers outside the US aren’t encouraging either. A WHO study reports that a majority of the world’s burn injury fatalities happen in African and Southeast Asian regions. So how do you prevent them?

There are multiple ways one can avoid burn injuries. The one that tops every list is awareness. When individuals know the causes of burn injuries, they will know better how to avoid them. This article contributes to that cause. It talks about second-degree burns in detail.

Seeking legal help after a burn injury is important as well, especially if the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or malicious thoughts. Victims of second-degree burns can file a personal injury claim to receive fair compensation that will help in the recovery process.

What are Second-Degree Burns?

Second-degree burns are the most common type of burn injury. It is a mild burn injury that damages the dermis (the second layer of the skin) and the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin).

Second-degree burns are more severe than first-degree burns but less severe than third-degree burns. Most second-degree burns can be treated at home. 

Common Causes of Second-Degree Burns

There are multiple ways one can suffer a burn injury. The causes mentioned below can be a result of someone’s negligence, carelessness, or your own fault.

• Fires
• Hot objects
• Chemicals
• Electric shock
• Steam or boiling water
• Sunburns

Identifying Features of a Second-Degree Burn

Since second-degree burns affect the epidermis and dermis, their identifying features are more distinct. Second-degree burns are recognized by

• Discolored skin
• Moist skin that glistens
• Pain or discomfort
• Swelling
• Blisters
• Layers of skin are peeling away

Body Parts Prone to Second-Degree Burns

No body part is safe from second-degree burns. The location where a person suffers a second-degree burn injury depends on the cause of the accident. Locations prone to second-degree burns include

• Arms or legs
• Hands
• Mouth
• Face

The Changes Your Skin Undergoes During a Second-Degree Burn

In addition to fire, a chemical or random light source may also cause second-degree burns. When this happens, the heat or light source penetrates the first and second layers of the skin. The penetration causes damage to the cells in the skin. The immune system is activated due to cell damage and stops the effects of the heat.

Your skin swelling up or changing color is a sign that the immune system has begun the healing process.

Signs of a Second-Degree Infection

Second-degree burns need immediate medical attention. They may deteriorate over time when left untreated. There are odds that your second-degree burn injury may get infected. Keep an eye out for the symptoms below.

• Excruciating pain
• Pus-like fluid seeping from the burn
• Spreading of skin discoloration
• Unpleasant odor from the burn injury

How to Prevent Second-Degree Burns

Just like every other accident, burns are preventable. You can begin by wearing protective clothing if you’re working in construction sites or industries. Other preventive measures include

• Lowering the temperature of hot water
• Staying a safe distance from or not touching hot surfaces
• Keeping live cords out of reach of pets or children
• Wearing sunscreen if you live in hot conditions or are going to be exposed to the sun for extended periods
• Avoiding open flames
• Covering electrical outlets
• Checking the temperature of food or beverages before consuming them or giving them to your children

Final Thoughts

Just like every other injury, one shouldn’t ignore second-degree burns. If the injury was caused by someone’s negligence, carelessness, or malicious thoughts, it is important to seek compensation. With the help of an experienced lawyer, you will be well-equipped to tackle all law-related issues that crop up in your burn injury claim.