A severe burn can be life threatening in the event it leads to an infection. Of course, that’s not the only concern with burns. They’re also painful, hard to cope with, and can lead to disfigurement. But what about burns that are less serious? Can a first-degree burn be serious? Indeed, they can be in their own way. If you’ve suffered as a result of a burn that was someone else’s fault, then you may need to call a personal injury attorney. Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas is ready to help you at 909-982-0707.
How to treat a minor burn
First of all, you need to determine that the burn is in fact minor enough to not require a visit to the emergency room. If the burn is red, painful, dry, and has peeling skin, then it’s likely a first degree burn. If the swelling and inflammation are only minor, then it’s likely a first degree burn. You also need to take a look at the size. If it’s longer than three inches then you should go to the doctor. If it’s on your knee, ankle, elbow, foot, forearm, or shoulder, then you should visit the doctor.
Relieving pain from a minor burn
If you feel confident handling the burn at home, then start by soaking it in cool water as soon as possible after it happens. At a minimum, soak it for five minutes, though you can soak it for longer if you’d like. Over the counter pain relievers can work wonders, just make sure you’re sticking to their recommended dosage.
You can also grab some aloe vera gel. It contains a natural chemical known as lidocaine, which is a natural anesthetic that can help to cool and soothe the burn. If you pick up a burn ointment, make sure that you cover the burn with gauze – but only lightly.
Skip the old wives’ tales
You may have heard burn advice from your grandmother and that advice is likely outdated now. For example, putting butter, cotton balls, or eggs on your burn are not helpful. In fact, they could actually make it more likely for the burn to get infected. If you ever have questions about how to treat a burn, your doctor is the one who should answer it those questions.
Are you owed compensation for your burn injuries?
If you were burned in an accident that was someone else’s fault, then we encourage you to call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707. A personal injury attorney can help you determine if you’re owed compensation. We offer free consultations so you can find out more about your options before you move forward. Call Attorney Vargas today to learn more about how you can recover from your burn injury accident.
