A third-degree burn is the most severe category of burn injury. It is also known as a “full-thickness burn” because it affects deep underlying tissues rather than only the top layer of skin. This serious type of burn can inflict many lasting health complications on a victim that require long-term or ongoing care and medical treatments.
Understanding the long-term complications associated with third-degree burns is critical, not only for medical planning, but also for an Austin personal injury lawyer accurately valuing a Texas personal injury or burn injury claim.
Significant Scarring
Third-degree burns cause scarring. Severe scars can lead to contractures, where the skin tightens due to a buildup of scar tissue pulling the skin together and restricting movement. Contractures are common among burn injury survivors, as the nature of a burn can lead to the abnormal healing of the affected tissues, which in turn causes the skin to tighten and shrink as the scar thickens and matures.
Skin contractures can impact motor function and make it difficult for a burn survivor to perform basic activities. Long-term treatments may include:
- Compression garments and pressure therapy
- Physical scar massage
- Steroid injections
- Laser therapy
- Surgical scar revision
In many cases, scar management continues for years.
Motor Function Effects
In addition to scar tissue skin contractures, third-degree burns can also impact an individual’s mobility or range of motion due to limb loss. Deep, full-thickness burns may require medical amputations if they cause irreversible damage to the tissues, muscle, blood vessels and bones. Severe burns could result in amputations of the fingers and toes, hands, arms, feet, or legs.
Mobility problems caused by a severe burn may require long-term rehabilitation to help regain lost mobility or adapt to a permanent disability. Ongoing physical and occupational therapies can help a victim restore lost functionality, gain strength, learn how to use prosthetics and redevelop daily living skills.
Nerve Damage
Third-degree burns can significantly damage or destroy the nerves in the affected area. Damaged nerve endings can lead to altered sensations or a loss of sensation. A victim may experience effects such as hypersensitivity or chronic pain from neuropathic damage. These conditions often require long-term pain management regimens.
Infections
Third-degree burns can cause blistering and open wounds that expose the victim to the risk of infection and sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition where the victim’s immune system starts attacking the body. Serious infections and sepsis can require ongoing care to treat.
Temperature Regulation Problems
A major burn injury can affect the victim’s ability to regulate his or her temperature by compromising the skin barrier, altering blood flow and damaging sweat glands. This can lead to temperature sensitivity and an increased risk of hypothermia or hyperthermia. Thermoregulation disorders often require skin grafts and long-term management to prevent related health complications.
Psychological Effects
Surviving a fire or explosion and suffering third-degree burns can have a significant psychological impact. It is common for burn injury survivors to struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic anxiety, depression, reduced quality of life, low self-esteem and emotional stress. The mental and emotional effects of a third-degree burn injury may require regular therapy or medications to manage.
The various long-term effects of a third-degree burn injury make it important to trust your case with an experienced burn injury attorney. A lawyer can provide the information, resources and guidance you need to make informed decisions about your claim.
