Comprehensive Burn Treatment
A burn is damage to body tissue caused by heat, cold, electricity, chemicals or radiation. Each year almost two million Americans seek medical treatment for burns and the majority are injured in the home. Thermal burns, occurring when hot metals, scalding liquids, steam or flames come in contact with skin, are the most common type. Burns to airways can be caused by inhaling smoke, steam, superheated air or toxic fumes.
Injuries range from first degree burns that affect outer layer of the skin to second or third degree burns that extend into deeper tissues. Third degree and inhalation burns are typically treated at a burn center. For those patients, rehabilitation is used to help patients manage pain and recover from muscle damage, nerve damage or severe scarring.
Overview
Burns
After suffering from a severe burn injury, it’s hard to know what to expect and you might be in pain. Our clinicians have the expertise to manage the medical conditions and psychological challenges associated with serious burns. Rehabilitation includes ongoing wound management and physical therapy to improve muscle strength and coordination, lowering the risk of for future problems.
Prevention
Since most burns happen in the home, your risk can be reduced by using the following home safety measures:
- Use smoke detectors. Place in the kitchen and bedrooms and near fireplaces or stoves. Remember to replace batteries regularly.
- Keep a fire extinguisher near the kitchen. Have it checked yearly and know how and when to use it.
- Avoid smoking in bed.
- Set your water heater at 120°F (50°C) or lower.
- Store cleaning solutions and paints in containers in well-ventilated areas
- Use proper fuses in electrical boxes, do not overload outlets and use insulated and grounded electrical cords.
- Be careful with gas equipment such as lawn mowers, snow blowers and chain saws.
- Be careful with any flammable substances used to start fires, such as lighter fluid.
- Avoid fireworks.
- Contact your local fire department. They can provide information on how to prevent fires, make a fire escape plan and use fire safety devices.
Treatment
Our burn care program provides an individualized, comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to treatment and care. Patients receive a personalized plan for maximized recovery and outcomes and work one-on-one with our therapists.
The burn care program includes the following:
- An individualized exercise program to improve strength, range of motion, endurance and flexibility
- Positioning and splinting
- A wound care plan
- Nutritional services with diet recommendations
- Education for patients, family and caregivers in wound care, hygiene, safety prevention and managing risk factors
- Equipment recommendations
Support
People who have suffered burn injuries often need ongoing medical and psychological support. Available resources include:
• American Burn Association