Burn injuries are painful and among the most life-altering injuries a person can experience. They are caused by heat, radiation, chemicals, and electricity.

Some of these hazards are work-related and can be due to employers’ negligence. With a 2.7% mortality rate, burn injuries can be very severe, depending on the degree.

Victims who’ve suffered burns as a result of negligence should hire experienced burn injury attorneys to ensure the liable party is held responsible.

This article will explore the different degrees of burns and the physical, psychological, and social impact of these injuries.

Understanding the Degrees of Burns

The skin has three layers: epidermis, dermis, and subcutis. Burns are classified into degrees depending on the depth of the injury to the skin and severity. Each degree of burn has certain characteristics and impacts on treatment and recovery. 

Here are the three main types of burns.

First-Degree Burns

These burns only affect the outer layer of the skin, also called the epidermis. The burn is typically mild, and the area is left with redness, pain, and dryness. However, the victim won’t get any blisters. 

An example of a first-degree burn is a sunburn or brief contact with a hot surface. These injuries heal after a few days with zero risk of infection, and the area affected hardly gets any scarring.

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns affect both the epidermis and dermis parts of the skin. Symptoms include redness, blistering, swelling, and significant pain. They also have a higher risk of infections.

There are two types of second-degree burns: superficial and deep. Superficial burn injuries heal quicker and don’t always scar. Deep burns take longer to heal and may even require surgery and have scarring.

Third-Degree Burns

These are very severe and penetrate all skin layers, potentially affecting the underlying tissue. The burn area may appear white, charred, or leathery, lacking sensation due to nerve damage. 

Third-degree burns require extensive medical care, like skin graft surgeries, and can result in significant scarring, physical impairment, and disfigurement.

When burns extend to muscles, tendons, and bones, they are classified as fourth-degree burns. These burns are life-threatening and result in permanent damage.

Physical Impact of Burn Injuries

First-degree burns can cause discomfort and temporary pain. However, second- and third-degree burns present more physical challenges.

Scarring is a common physical impact. Scars can be thick and raised, affecting the victim’s skin elasticity. Many severe burn victims undergo skin grafts to reduce scarring, but the process often requires multiple procedures.

Burns also affect mobility, especially when they affect hands, feet, and joints. The scar tissue can contract over time, making it difficult to move. Physical rehabilitation is necessary to rebuild strength in the affected areas, but some victims may have permanent limitations.

Chronic pain due to nerve damage is another impact that mostly affects third- and fourth-degree burn victims. This may require long-term pain management. Nerve damage can also result in loss of sensation. While this reduces pain, it affects temperature and skin health. 

Psychological and Emotional Impact

Burn victims experience numerous psychological and emotional challenges. They are listed below.

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder with symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, and nightmares
  • Depression and hopelessness
  • Body image and self-esteem issues, which can lead to isolation
  • Feeling self-conscious

Counseling and therapy are essential in helping burn victims develop coping strategies to regain their confidence.

Social and Economic Impact

These affect a victim’s life beyond the physical pain. Social and economic challenges lead to:

  • Financial burden due to ongoing medical costs
  • Challenges in employment because of physical limitations
  • A strain on personal relationships since the roles change to caregiving

Conclusion

The degree of a burn injury determines the treatment required and the long-term impact on a victim’s life. The journey to recovering from a burn injury can be long and costly. That’s why victims need to seek compensation from liable parties to cover these ongoing costs.