Airbag Burn Safety

Airbag Burn Safety

Airbags save lives during motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), but they can cause burns along the arms and legs that can catch people off guard. These injuries, which often stem from the fast deployment of airbags, can range from mild redness to serious damage. Understanding airbag burns and knowing when to seek help is an important part of the healing process following a car accident. What causes these burns, and when should you worry? Dr. Aaron Workman, a team member of one of the highest rated car accident medical care programs in Kentucky, discusses airbag burns and the signs that signal a need for help.

How Air Bag Burns Happen
Airbags deploy at speeds ranging from 100-200 mph releasing gases and chemicals that cause them to inflate instantly. This process can cause thermal burns from heat or chemical burns from substances inside airbags. Friction burns also occur when the airbag’s fabric scrapes skin, especially on the face, arms, or chest. I have seen multiple airbag burns in my clinical experience with most being on the wrists and forearms. A systemic review in the Journal of Burn Care and Research, May of 2021 cites “38% were chemical burns and 25% were thermal burns. Most commonly the upper extremities were burned in 42% of cases, followed by eyes (25%) and face (21%). Most burns identified were superficial partial thickness (58%). Treatment outcomes were good for cutaneous burns, with 95% healing without complication. However, ocular injuries lead to permanent impaired eye function in 71% of cases.”

Common Symptoms
Airbag burns typically appear as red, irritated skin, and can look like a mild sunburn. You might feel stinging, swelling, or tenderness. Minor burns may blister within hours, while chemical burns can cause itching or a rash-like look. It is common to see drivers with red and sore patches on the forearm that may fade away over the following week, while some may linger and cause longer term problems. The rarer severe burns show deep redness, large blisters, or blackened skin. Knowing these signs can help you gauge the need for a healthcare professional’s intervention. You can never go wrong with getting it checked even if you think it is a minor issue.

When to Be Concerned
Most airbag burns heal on their own within a week, but even the mild cases can cause problems for a longer period. If the burn covers a large area of the arms or face, or if there are blisters, then get help. Pain that worsens after a day or two, or signs of infection (redness, warmth, discharge, or fever), needs examined. Burns near eyes, mouth, or joints, or those causing numbness, also require urgent care to prevent complications.

Caring for Minor Burns
First things first. Take pictures as soon as possible of your burns or abrasions. These will help you monitor healing and provide documentation of your injuries. For mild airbag burns, rinse the area with cool water for 10 minutes to soothe skin and remove chemicals. You can use mild soap to clean if needed. Pat dry and cover with a clean bandage. Avoid popping blisters or using greasy creams. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can ease discomfort. Keep the burn clean and watch for worsening symptoms. Your best course of action is to get an exam, so you know if the burn carries any risk. This will also help document your injuries with a healthcare professional.

Airbag burns are another one of the many hidden risks following an MVA, but most will be manageable with proper care. Take pictures of your burns so a doctor can see the initial damage. Rinse burns quickly, monitor for severe symptoms, and seek help for large, painful, or infected areas. If burns do not improve in a week, or if you feel dizzy, short of breath, or have other injuries, see a doctor. At Chambers Medical Group, these are the types of hidden injuries we commonly see. If you do not want to guess about the complications of your airbag burns or MVA injuries, the doctors at Chambers Medical Group can help ensure your minor injuries do not become major problems.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

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