Burn Injury Resource Center
Following a burn injury, some patients will be admitted to the hospital for a period of time and then discharged home. When the patient returns home, he/she will require an adjustment period not only for him/her but also for the whole family.
Consideration after discharge:
- Itching.
- Pain.
- Home wound care.
- Preventing infection.
- Preventing and dealing with scars part I, II.
- Compression garment use.
- Protection from sun exposure.
- The need for other services ie, visiting nurse service, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
- The need for other procedures eg, cosmetic procedures.
- Emotional impact.
Pain:
Most patients with burns have pain from the burned area unless the burn is deep and the nerve endings are burned. Even in these burns, pain may be felt from surrounding injured tissues. The amount of the pain can vary depending on the severity and location of burn. The pain may interfere with the daily activities. Dressing changes and wound care may also be painful.
Some patients may experience permanent disfigurement or permanent disability which may lead to emotional distress.
This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice; it should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.