Burns and Edema

Burns are devastating injuries that can cause more than just damaged skin. In fact, damage can extend into your capillaries, or the tiny blood vessels that run throughout your body. These vessels can become porous, allowing blood and other fluid to leak into your tissue. This is called edema. Doctors must battle edema while still keeping patients fully hydrated so that they can recover from their injuries.

Explosion accidents can cause internal and external harm as well as property damage. If your explosion accident was caused by a faulty propane tank or another product defect, you may be entitled to financial compensation to help you with your medical bills and other expenses. For more information on recovering from a serious burn injury, contact us today for a free information packet.

What is Edema?

Edema occurs when fluids leak into body tissue. This can be the result of simple problems, such as pregnancy or standing too long. However, severe injuries such as burns can also increase the permeability of your capillaries, allowing them to leak blood and other fluids into the surrounding tissue. This causes the body to swell, and it can separate the dead, burned skin from the living tissue in first degree burns. With 2nd- and 3rd-degree burns, though, the swelling can occur in living yet injured tissue.

Complications of Edema

For burn victims, the main danger of edema is that the swelling will begin to cut off circulation and nerve function. This is because burned skin becomes tight, hard, and inelastic, losing its ability to stretch. Because the skin cannot expand to accommodate the swelling from edema, it may have to be surgically incised, or cut, so that the person can continue to receive more liquid.

Contact Us

Edema is just one of the many dangers of a burn accident. If you have been injured in an explosion and you are looking for more information, fill out the form on the left side of this page to receive a free information packet.