Though injuries affect the victim it is not the only issue they suffer from. The consequences a victim face after the traumatic incident is beyond the pain caused by the injury itself.Through this article, we would like to highlight the physical and emotional changes the victim undergoes, and the help required throughout the healing period and even long after the Burn wounds heal.

Though physical healing is vital ignoring the victim’s emotional needs is not advisable as it could lead to psychological stress.

Immediate concerns patients have once discharged:

• Once the victim regains consciousness, apart from the pain the realization of the damage caused by their physical appearance would come as a shock if he/she was involved in a 2nd or 3rd burn.
• Since they would be out of the hospital premises and would have no medical staff to attend to them they could fear the return of pain.
• Victims also feel overwhelmed while getting discharged, especially if the burns were caused at their residence.

Physical conditions that worry patients post-injury

Itches:

Happens because the scar tissue from burns does not have the oil glands found in normal skin. This makes the scar dry and itchy.

Infection:

Burns can leave skin vulnerable to bacterial infection and increase the victim’s risk of sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening infection that travels through the bloodstream and affects the  whole body. It progresses rapidly and can cause shock and organ failure

Scarring:

Burns can cause scars and ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue.

Bone and joint problems:

Deep burns can limit movement of the bones and joints. This condition may also permanently pull joints out of position.

Breathing problems:

Burn injuries due to smoke inhalation damage the lungs and can cause respiratory failure.

Multiple organ dysfunction syndromes:

20% of multiple organ dysfunction syndromes (MODS) commonly occur with burn wound

Care for burns posts hospitalization

• Sun exposure should be limited since the newly healed skin is sensitive to the sun. The patient should avoid unnecessary sun exposure as much as possible after a burn injury.
• Washing / Showering should be supervised if the victims are kids.Newly healed skin is sensitive to extremes of temperature and a tepid bath or shower will be more comfortable. A mild non-perfumed soap will help minimize sensitivities. Bath oils may minimize the tendency for skin to become dry and scaly. All efforts should be made to avoid getting soap in unhealed wounds.
• Give time for the skin to heal. It could take weeks, months or sometimes even years for the skin to heal completely.
• Dry skin is a result of damage or destruction of the oil-producing glands. These glands will begin to function again, but until that time some artificial lubricant must be used.

Psychological and Emotional Impact of a Burn Injury.

Physical traumas such as Burn Injury and painful medical procedures required to treat them can be traumatizing. Burn victims experience anxiety, fear, horror, and helplessness during the treatment phase. The effects of burn trauma can affect the victim’s ability to cope with life stresses, and the ability to connect with others for months, years, or a lifetime.Victims of trauma often avoid or resist talking about the traumatic event. Symptoms of trauma may not emerge and become evident for weeks, months, or even years after the traumatic event occurs.Burn injury is most often accompanied by losses. Losses depend on the individual situation and extent of the burn injury. Burn trauma affects all parts of the burn-injured individual’s and family’s life. The losses and trauma caused by a burn injury require ongoing assessment, attention, and intervention as and when needed.

Recognizing symptoms of stress in adults post trauma is essential as these symptoms may be present following a traumatic event and will usually diminish over time. It is important to seek help from a professional counsellor who has advanced training and expertise in treating trauma if symptoms persist beyond the early days or weeks after the occurrence of the trauma.

Common symptoms include

• Insomnia/ Nightmares
• Loss of interest in hobbies and other activities
• Social withdrawal, isolation and avoidance of people who might be associated with the trauma
• Flashbacks of the traumatic event (seeing, hearing, smelling or tactile sensations)
• Getting into the habit of abuse, alcohol or drugs
• Difficulty in concentrating and problem-solving
• Feeling dazed or not real, suicidal ideas.
• Unable to recall important aspects of the trauma
• Depression, Anxiety disorders, Risk-taking behaviours, Anxiousness, Anger.

Common fears amongst children after trauma

• Fear of another more frightening event
• Fear of separation
• Fear of death
• Fear of helplessness

Often unresolved fear and anxiety can cause distress and drive the person to commit suicide.Therefore, it is important to find a suitable burn rehabilitation centre or turn to a professional therapist for help.