How to Alleviate Burn Injuries

The most common kind of burn wound is a thermal burn, produced by exposure to fire, scalding water, or hot objects (including the sun). Another type of burn injury are chemical burn injuries.

Burn injuries include damage to nerve tissue, muscle and bones as well as the skin. Burn injuries are frequently accompanied by other traumatic wounds, like fractures or other complications due to smoke inhalation or surgery.

One way to classify a burn wound is by depth of the injury. This is method is useful for making clinical decisions and when giving a prognosis for recovery. There are 3 degrees that classify burns:

- A first-degree burn is a superficial injury. It includes only the top layer of the skin.

- A second-degree burn damages all of the epidermis and a part of the dermis.

- A third-degree burn, also called a full-thickness burn, includes the epidermis, the entire dermis, dermal appendages, and at times deeper tissue. Such a burn, even when it includes a minor surface area, generally requires hospitalization.

The healing of a burn wound requires an effective and highly specialized skin treatment. Open wounds must be meticulously cared for to avoid infection and to encourage healing as fast as possible. Therapy may include respiratory treatment, swallowing therapy, speech therapy, and carefully monitored fluid and nutrient intake.

As a burn wound turns less acute, other problems require intervention. These include tissue flexibility, the building of a new self-image, daily living and walking skills, the incorporation of previous leisure interests, emotional support and re-adjustment to community and family life.

Immature burn scars tissue will change from a red to white tone while stretching. Be sure to put extra attention to these patches because they can tighten even more if you do not stretch them regularly.

Healed burn wounds, donor sites, and grafts are very sensitive to direct sunlight and require special skin care measures. These areas can burn very quickly and also become very dry. After burn wounds have healed, you must avoid direct sunlight exposure for at least 6 months. After those first six months, it is okay to allow short sunlight exposures. It is important to apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply the sunscreen approximately 30 minutes before sun exposure. Also, try to avoid direct exposure to the sun between (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Reapply sunscreen often and try to stay out of direct sunlight. You can, over a period of time, gradually increase your exposure to sunlight.

A safer and biological alternative to chemical skin care treatments is now available in the shape of a skin care product to treat a wide range of skin ailments.

- Kathleen LeRoi