Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Burn Injuries and Children (Part B)
Burn Categories
Burns can be divided into three categories:
- First degree
- Second degree
- Third degree
First Degree Burns
First-degree burns are the least severe, damaging only the top layer of skin. Symptoms include:
- redness,
- pain,
- slight swelling, and
- possibly peeling
The most common sources of first-degree burns are sunburn and flash burns. These burns rarely require professional medical attention and can be treated at home with lotions, ointments, and pain inhibitors.
If your child suffers from a first-degree burn, first cool the area with water (not too cold) or a cool compress. You may give your child appropriate pain inhibitors and may want to go with ibuprofen if there is much swelling. First-degree burns heal naturally, but you may want to assist the healing process with the use of lotions or ointments. Contact your local pharmacist or pediatrician for recommendations on child burn injuries.
Second Degree Burns
Second and third-degree burns are far more dangerous and will require immediate medical attention. Once you are sure your child is safe from further burning, call a doctor as soon as possible.
Second-degree burns damage several layers into the epidermis and are identified by:
- blisters,
- swelling,
- severe pain, and
- redness
The skin will often look wet and shiny. The most common causes of second-degree burns are scalding, flame, and brief contact with a hot object.
Third Degree Burns
Third-degree burns are the most severe. All layers of the epidermis are injured with damage moving into the tissue underneath, or the dermis. Sometimes damage can reach as far as muscles, tendons, and bones. The skin often appears dry, but can look:
- waxy,
- chalky,
- leathery,
- brown, or
- charred, and
- your child may feel little or no pain due to nerve damage
Third-degree burns are most commonly the result of scalds, open flame, extended contact with a hot object, electrical burns, and chemical burns. Because new skin will not grow where the entire epidermis is destroyed, grafting is often required.
Costs of Burn Injuries
Depending on the severity of the burn, medical expenses can range from immediate and moderate to extensive, long-term and expensive. Minimal costs will include:
- pain control,
- infection control and
- the treatment of blisters and scarring
As we saw earlier, some types of burns come with their own set of secondary injuries. Although burn injuries are common, they are also preventable. Communicate with your children and educate them about fire and heat-source safety, chemical safety, respect for electricity, and the dangers of over-exposure to sunlight and tanning bed lights.
For more information about burn injuries and children, read the rest of Chapter 10 in Tom Kiley’s When a Kiss Isn’t Enough to Make It All Better.
When selecting a Boston child injury attorney you’ll want to ask critical questions such as; how long have you been practicing law; do you have experience with child injury cases in Boston, Massachusetts; what is the biggest settlement or verdict you have won? For over 30 years Kiley Law Group, located in Andover and Boston Massachusetts, has fought on behalf of children. Our child injury lawyers take time when speaking with you about your child’s injuries. Mr. Kiley’s firm works with you on a contingency basis, which means there are NO FEES unless our trained personal injury attorneys win your case. Call now for a FREE legal consultation.
