One of the first things that we learn through life is how to take care of ourselves. Now, this process evolves as we mature, and at some point, we become those who teach. It is the basic process of life and how knowledge is passed on through generations, but for some situations, no matter how well educated and prepared we are, we are simply not ready for it. Of course, taking precautions is necessary, as it is the first thing you learn on any job, on any course, and even in school. The old saying goes, “A healthy person has a thousand wishes, a sick person only one,” and this couldn’t be more true, as our well-being is at the first place on our life list.
Burns degree
Some of you are probably familiar that there are three main degrees, and most people have already suffered from superficial burns or, medically speaking, first-degree burns. Now, these types of burns are common, as they often happen due to negligence, and recovery from such burns is pretty fast. Of course, they still cause pain, but in most situations, there are no blisters.
Second-degree burns are much painful, and the recovery time doesn’t need to be that long, but that depends on what percentage of the skin was damaged, and if it is above 10%, rehabilitation is a must.
As for the third-degree burns, they are most severe, meaning that not only do they affect a larger area of the body, they are also much deeper because there is damage on both the dermis and epidermis. Depending on the percentage, these burns are extremely painful, and the recovery process can take several months and, in most situations, plastic surgery and reconstruction.
What to know in case of an injury
No one wants to get injured, regardless of the type and how severe the injury is, but, on some things, we simply have no influence, and injuries unfortunately happen. Yes, having control at every given moment would be great, but life doesn’t work that way, which is why everyone should know what actions they can take in case of any injury. Furthermore, we should all have a much better understanding of the rehabilitation process in general, as it is not the same for every fracture. Depending on the type of injury, the rehabilitation process can take several days, several months, and, in some cases, even years, and, for burn patients, that process is divided into three main stages.
1. Critical care
It is crucial to understand that rehabilitation always starts from the first day, and it is not something that should wait because proper rehabilitation is the only ways to help people with burns have normal lives again. Like every other recovery, burn recovery also has the optimal time frame for treatment, and it is necessary to start immediately if we want to achieve the best possible results. It is normal and safe to get a plastic surgery procedure, but you still must trust your doctor. It is not only about when it will start because it also needs to follow the whole process, and continue through it, even a few months or years after the accident occurred. No matter if the patient is mobile or lying, it is necessary to start with physical rehabilitation adjusted to their wounds and condition.
The first crucial thing is to reduce the risks of possible complications and prevent them. Because of that, we need to think about elevating the patient’s head and chest to make them easier to breathe and prevent neck or head swelling, which can be pretty serious. It is also necessary to check for edema, which can be easily reduced but also pretty dangerous if it is not seen in time. One of the fastest ways to reduce edema is the elevation of all limbs, and it can save a patient’s life in some situations.
2. Wound healing phase
The wound healing phase is pretty painful, and it can be a real challenge even for experienced specialists because each burn is different than another. After the patient is stabilized, it is time to check wounds and move necrotic tissue and eschar, so the wounds can start the healing process. If it is not done, it can easily lead to infections which can be dangerous while the patient is in this condition.
The patients need to get painkillers because the pain is a normal part of these injuries, and it is necessary to do everything possible to make it easier for them. There are also many painful interventions that need to be performed, and some regular activities like dressing changes or exercise can be too painful for patients with wounds. The doctors’ job is to make the regular activities much easier for these patients and make them perform them without painkillers as soon as it is possible.
3. Post-healing stage
Many people think that once the wounds are healed, it is done with rehabilitation, but it is not completely true. A post-healing stage is also important like every other, and during this phase, the accent is on helping the patient to get back to regular activities and continue with life. During this phase, doctors try to minimize scars and make them less visible, and improve the patient’s muscle strength to help them perform everyday activities without any help. The post-healing phase is the stage when doctors are focused on the mental health of the patient and try to help them integrate into society. Burns can leave serious marks on the emotional field and cause some severe traumas.
As you can see, even here, it all depends on how severe the burns are and what percentage of the skin was damaged by it. Yes, certain things on this list are a must, as rehabilitation for burns is a process that, no matter how severe the burns are, dictates precise and great attention, especially for deep wounds. The time needed for such a delicate rehabilitation process can also vary, as it depends on the type of burns and their classification. Consulting the doctor and regular check-ups are also a part of this process, but, of course, if you still have questions about rehabilitation after burns, it’s better to consult professionals.
