How To Prevent Scarring After a Burn InjuryHow To Prevent Scarring After a Burn Injury

How To Prevent Scarring After a Burn Injury

According to the American Burn Association, about 4,000 people die from burn injuries each year. Burn injuries are also common after a car accident. When two vehicles collide, it could lead to fires and explosions. If you have suffered burn injuries after a car accident, you could recover compensation from the negligent party that has caused the accident.

A burn injury can require extensive medical care and treatment. If not treated properly, it could lead to permanent injuries. After being involved in a car accident or any other accident, you should call 911 immediately to get evaluated by medical personnel. Even if your burn may be minor, it should still be evaluated. If not treated properly, it could lead to infections or even amputations.

What Causes Burn Injuries In Car Accidents?

Burn injuries are caused in different ways:

  • Vehicle explosions: when a gas tank ruptures after a collision, it could lead to a vehicle explosion. 
  • Electric burns: electrical burns are common when faulty wiring can be found inside the vehicle during the accident.
  • Hot objects: hot metal objects could get loose inside the vehicle during the collision.
  • Chemical burns: chemical burns could result from the airbag deployment, especially if the airbag has a defect.

If you have suffered any of the above, it is in your best interest to consult an attorney. 

What Are The Different Types Of Burn Injuries?

Burn injuries are categorized into different degrees, depending on their severity. Below are the different categories explained:

  • First-degree burns: A first-degree burn occurs when the outer layer of the skin is affected. It usually takes a couple of weeks to heal and may not involve any scarring.
  • Second-degree burns: A second-degree burn could cause blistering and fluid leakage. The burn goes under the skin’s layer and could lead to scarring.
  • Third-degree burns: Third-degree burns extend to the deepest layers under the skin, such as the muscles and bones. A third-degree burn may lead to nerve damage and is more severe than scarring; instead, it could lead to skin grafting.
  • Fourth-degree burns: A fourth-degree burn is considered the most severe and requires surgical intervention and amputation.

The different types of burn injuries described above involve scarring. Second and third-degree burns can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement if not properly treated.

How To Prevent Scarring

Below are some steps you should take to prevent scarring after you have suffered a burn injury. Although scarring may be inevitable, there are some steps you could take to prevent the burn injuries from getting worse.

  • Get immediate medical attention: Even if you believe the burn injuries are not severe, you should still get evaluated. A medical provider will be able to protect the wound to prevent any contamination.
  • Attend all treatments: Sometimes, doctors may prescribe antibiotics or pain medication or schedule follow-up appointments.  
  • Keep the wound clean: Keeping a wound clean is essential for preventing any infections. When a burn injury gets infected, it could lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement.
  • Do not scratch or pick the wound: Scratching or picking could increase the risk of an infection, which in turn will increase the likelihood of permanent scarring. Consult with your doctor for any anti-itch creams or medications you could use.
  • Keep the burn injury away from the sun: When the sun damages a burn, scars are most likely permanent. Apply sunscreen to the area before leaving the house.
  • Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated is vital in promoting healthy skin and reducing the appearance of permanent scars.
  • Consult appropriate medical professionals: If scarring persists, some accident victims may consult a dermatologist. A dermatologist could suggest several different treatments, including microneedling and laser therapy, to reduce the appearance of scars.

Above are some steps you could take to prevent the appearance of permanent scarring after a burn injury. You should still consult with a doctor after an accident.

Our Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help

Burn injuries could cause permanent life-altering effects. Ensure you have the right attorney to get the compensation you need for your treatments. Contact Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation if you have experienced a burn injury in Rock Hill, SC. nation.

Contact The Fort Mill Personal Injury Lawyers At Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys For Help Today

For more information, please contact our Fort Mill personal injury lawyers in South Carolina at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.

We proudly serve York County, Lancaster County, and its surrounding areas:

Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys – Rock Hill Office
212 E Black St,
Rock Hill, SC 29730
(803) 324-7574
Open 24hrs

Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys – Lancaster Office
204 A S Main St,
Lancaster, SC 29720
(803) 902-7065
Open 24hrs

Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys – Fort Mill Office
1201 Carolina Pl Suite 102D,
Fort Mill, SC 29708
(803) 902-4045
Open 24hrs

Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys – Lake Wylie Office
264 Latitude Ln #102A,
Lake Wylie, SC 29710
(803) 902-3608
Open 24hrs