Burn Severity

Published on: February 1, 2011

Third-Degree Burns Can Happen in a Flash

When the frightening possibility of receiving a 3rd-degree burn enters into most people’s minds, they tend to think that such a severe burn can only be gotten from having a flame touch the skin for several seconds or more. But the possibility of getting a burn that penetrates and does damage beyond all the layers of skin in one area of the body–which is the simplest definition of a 3rd-degree burn–is greater than simply being exposed to a flame.

Take the recent case of a Fort Lauderdale man who was severely burned by an unusual source. One recent morning, the man decided to have a cigarette, but he lit up while sitting next to a medical oxygen tank that he used to help his breathing. Unfortunately, because there was a stream of oxygen flowing through the mask–and oxygen is a very powerful accelerant of fire–the tank literally blew up in the room. In an instant, the heat from that explosion badly burned the man, even though there was no fire after the explosion.

It can be the same way with natural gas, which is used in many homes for appliances and for heating. If a source of natural gas is leaking in a home or any enclosed space, it does not even take an open flame to cause a huge superheated flash–just a spark from an appliance switching on could ignite the gas, causing a flash that can literally destroy all the layers of skin on any exposed body part, or even melt clothing onto skin that is covered! Larry Kramer, a partner in the law firm of Kramer & Pollack LLP in Mineola, NY, has had clients who received 3rd-degree burns from natural gas being ignited; these burns can happen in just a fraction of a second, and not necessarily from any fire afterward.

Continue reading →

Published on: January 20, 2011

Putting Out Fires Yourself: A Recipe for Third-Degree Burns

By Larry Kramer

In my previous post two days ago, I wrote about the need to be aware of fire hazards not just inside your home, but surrounding your home as well. The reason: Careless neighbors can cause a fire that spreads to where you live too. Such a situation nearly happened to me not long ago, and my neighbor almost got burned badly because she tried to put the fire she started rather than calling firefighters to let them do it.

Sure enough, a story appeared in a London newspaper the next day, January 17, about a British man there who did the same thing as my neighbor. Unfortunately, that man now has third-degree burns and smoke-inhalation injuries to his lungs that threaten his life. Here is part of that article:

“A man barely escaped with his life after an early-morning fire Monday in an apartment in London’s east end. The man was cooking and likely fell asleep, only to be woken up by his smoke detector. ‘He tried to put the fire out himself but sustained burns to his face, his forearms, and hands, plus he suffered some smoke inhalation,’ district chief Jeff Adams reported.”

Continue reading →

Published on: October 14, 2010

Burn Severity (Part II)

By Larry Kramer

It is important to determine the severity of the burn as this will determine the type of treatment that is necessary and where the burned patient should receive treatment. Minor burns may be treated at home or in a doctor’s office. These are defined as first- or second-degree burns covering less than 15 percent of an adult’s body or less than 10 percent of a child’s body, or a third-degree burn on less than 2 percent BSA. Moderate burns should be treated at a hospital. These are defined as first- or second-degree burns covering 15 percent to 25 percent of an adult’s body or 10 percent to 20 percent of a child’s body, or a third-degree burn on 2 percent to 10 percent BSA. Critical, or major, burns are the most serious and should be treated in a specialized burn unit. These are defined as first- or second-degree burns covering more than 25 percent of an adult’s body or more than 20 percent of a child’s body, or a third-degree burn on more than 10 percent BSA. In addition, burns involving the hands, feet, face, eyes, ears, or genitals are considered critical.

NOTE: these are only guidelines. Classification of the type and extent of a burn should be done only by medical professionals. It is best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention. What you may consider minor may in fact be severe.

This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice; it should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.

Published on: October 13, 2010

Burn Severity (Part I)

By Larry Kramer

A burn is an injury to the tissue; it can be caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation or friction.

Burns can be classified according to the depth of burn: first degree, second degree and third degree burns. It can also be classified into superficial partial thickness which is the first degree, deep partial thickness which is the second degree and the full thickness area which is the third degree burns.

The severity of burn is affected by many factors which are:

Continue reading →

Published on: February 18, 2010

Third Degree Burns (Part I)

By Larry Kramer

A third degree burn is a burn that causes injury to all three layers of the skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis). There may also be damage to fat tissue, muscle and bone. It is the most serious type of burn and may result in extensive scarring as well as other injuries and limitations.

Causes:

Flames.

Continue reading →

Published on: February 17, 2010

Second Degree Burns

By Larry Kramer

A second degree burn is caused by injury to the epidermis which is the first layer of the skin and the dermis which is the second layer of the skin.

Causes:

Severe sunburns.

Continue reading →

Published on: February 16, 2010

First Degree Burns (Part II)

By Larry Kramer

Prevention:

Burns of all degrees including first degree can be avoided or decreased by following simple measures, burns caused by scalding with hot water can be prevented by careful handling of hot liquids, turning pot handles on the stove out of the reach of children, check the temperature of the bath water before putting the child in the tub, setting the water heater thermostat no higher than 120°F (49°C), install radiator covers, insulate exposed stem pipes, properly placed and working smoke detectors, children must be taught never to play with matches, lighters, gasoline, never allow children to handle fireworks without adult supervision.

Sunburns may be prevented by the liberal use of a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 and above, use protective coverings like hats, loose clothing, and umbrellas, avoid spending time in the sun between 10 am and 3 pm when the most damaging ultraviolet rays are present.

Continue reading →

Published on: February 15, 2010

First Degree Burns (Part I)

By Larry Kramer

A first degree burn is caused due to injury to the epidermis which is the outer first layer of the skin; it involves minimal tissue damage and is the least serious type of burn.

Causes:

Spending too much time in the sun (sun burn part I, II).

Continue reading →