Apart from being painful, burn injuries can also be life-threatening. You might think of burns as merely surface wounds, but their impact can go far deeper, affecting your entire body in ways you may not expect.
Understanding how burn injuries can become fatal is essential so you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
The severity of burns
When it comes to burns, severity matters. Burns have three main categories, namely:
- First-degree burns, which affect only the outer layer of skin.
- Second-degree burns, or burns that penetrate to the second layer of skin.
- Third-degree burns, which could destroy both layers of skin and can damage underlying tissues.
First-degree burns, though very painful, are rarely life-threatening. Meanwhile, second and third-degree burns could pose severe risks to your health and survival.
How burns can turn deadly
You might wonder how a “simple” burn could become fatal. The truth is that severe burns may impact your body in multiple ways and lead to:
Shock
Extensive burns could lead to hypovolemic shock, where you lose too much fluid, causing your organs to shut down.
Infection
Burns could destroy your skin’s protective barrier, making you vulnerable to potentially deadly infections.
Respiratory failure
Inhaling hot air or smoke may damage your lungs and airways, leading to respiratory distress or failure.
Organ failure
Severe burns can cause systemic inflammation, potentially leading to multiple organ failure.
Sepsis
This life-threatening condition occurs when your body’s response to infection damages its tissues and organs.
Understanding that even seemingly minor burns could become serious if not treated properly is crucial. It may be best to always seek medical attention for any burn more extensive than three inches in diameter. This also applies to any burn on sensitive areas like your face, hands, feet or genitals.
By understanding the potential dangers of burn injuries, you can take steps to protect yourself and others from these potentially fatal wounds. Consider consulting an attorney if you experience burn injuries resulting from someone else’s negligence. They could help you understand your rights and the legal options available to you.