What is a First Degree Burn?
Health professionals often categorize burns as first, second or third degree. These classifications represent the severity of the injury. A first degree burn is the least serious as it affects only the superficial layer of the skin. First degree burns have a variety of causes. Tanning beds, hot liquids and even the sun can all cause this type of common burn injury.
Like the other categories of burn injuries, first degree burns have a number of classic symptoms. First, only the epidermis (the surface of the skin) is involved. The skin remains dry, may turn red and/or swell and is painful to the touch. Sometimes, the skin peels, something commonly seen with sunburns. The healing time is short; most people will completely recover from a first degree burn within seven days. There is usually no permanent scarring.
Treatment for a First Degree Burn
First aid for the vast majority of first degree burns is straightforward. First, cool the affected area by placing it under cool running water until the pain lessens. If this isn’t possible, you can also place it in a container filled with cool water – ten to fifteen minutes is usually sufficient. Next, cover the area with a sterile gauze bandage to protect it. While the wound heals, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to minimize discomfort.
The good news for anyone who sustained a first degree burn is that it will usually heal on its own without care from a doctor. If the burn affects large portions of the extremities or the face, however, the situation is more serious. A first degree burn to the eye area will also require medical attention.
Get Help from a Top Burn Injury Lawyer Today
If the negligence of another party caused your burn injuries and you incurred medical expenses and had to take time away from work, you may be eligible for compensation. The New Jersey burn injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. have experience representing victims and handling many other types of personal injury cases. If you suffered a serious burn through no fault of your own, contact us at (609) 240-0040 to arrange a free initial consultation. We will review your case and tell you whether you have a viable legal claim.
Additional Information
- First-Degree Burn Information – Healthline
- How to Treat a First-Degree, Minor Burn – American Academy of Dermatology Association
- Minor Burns – MedlinePlus
Princeton Minor Burn Accident Attorney Disclaimer: The first degree burn or other legal information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of a lawyer or attorney client relationship. Any results set forth here were dependent on the facts of that case and the results will differ from case to case. Please contact the attorneys at our law firm. This web site is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the State of NJ.
The firm’s principals, Gabriel R. Lependorf and David E. Silverstein, have each been representing injured victims in the State of New Jersey for over thirty years.
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