After an Accident ยท California

Burns After an Accident After an Accident

Burns from accidents, whether from fire, hot surfaces, chemicals, or friction in a crash, are classified by depth, and how serious a burn actually is isn't always obvious just by looking at it right after it happens.

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We are not a law firm or a medical provider. We connect you with doctors who treat these injuries.

Why this happens

Engine fires, hot exhaust, airbag deployment, electrical hazards at a job site, and chemical spills can all cause burns ranging from mild redness to injury that damages deeper layers of skin and tissue. A burn that looks mild at first, red and painful, can sometimes be deeper than it appears, while a burn that looks less dramatic but is numb (a sign nerve endings were damaged) can actually be more severe. This is why a burn should be evaluated by a medical provider rather than judged on appearance alone.

When this is a medical emergency

Get emergency care right away for a burn that involves:

  • Burned skin that is white, leathery, charred, or numb
  • A burn covering a large area of the body, the face, hands, feet, or genitals
  • Blistering combined with signs of infection: increasing redness, pus, or fever
  • Any burn from an electrical source or chemical exposure

Commonly linked to these accident types

This symptom shows up often after these kinds of accidents. Find help specific to your situation.

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Care options for this symptom

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Frequently asked questions

How do I know if a burn needs a doctor or can be treated at home?

Small, first-degree burns (red, painful, no blistering) often can be managed at home with cool water and over-the-counter care. Any blistering, a burn larger than about the size of your palm, or a burn on the face, hands, feet, or genitals needs professional evaluation.

Why did my burn look worse the next day?

Some burns continue to develop over the first 24-48 hours as the full depth of the tissue damage becomes apparent. Redness turning into blistering, or pain changing to numbness, are both reasons to have it re-examined even if you weren't initially worried.

Will a burn from an accident leave a scar?

It depends on the depth of the burn and how it's treated. Deeper burns and burns that aren't treated promptly are more likely to scar. Getting evaluated and following proper wound care from the start gives you the best chance at minimizing scarring.

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