A serious burn is a major injury, especially if it covers more than a small area of your body. Most people have experienced minor burns previously, and that personal experience may lead to them being dismissive of more severe burn injuries.
However, the deeper the burn and the more of the body it covers, the more serious the medical consequences. There are certain concerning medical facts about Burns that the average person does not know.
Burns come with a major risk of infection
Burns compromise the skin and leave people vulnerable to infection. The immune system, already overtaxed because it needs to respond to a catastrophic injury, may struggle to appropriately respond to the infection at the same time. Infection is one of the most common causes of mortality among those with serious burns.
Burn injuries cause mental health consequences
Depending on the location of the burn and the kind of treatment available, even those who have healed could have persistent pain or limitations on their physical activity. Both pain and changes to someone’s lifestyle can lead to depression and other mental health issues.
Especially when burns are visible or remain painful even after medical intervention, people may withdraw from social activity, which can exacerbate the negative mental health consequences of the original burn injury.
Burns often lead to lifetime medical needs
Any burns more serious than the second-degree burn may require ongoing medical support. People may require months of care while they recover from the initial burn and additional medical procedures, such as skin graft surgery, as they continue to heal. Some individuals will require ongoing pain management and revision procedures because of the tissue damage caused by the burns.
Burn care is quite expensive
It can cost tens of thousands of dollars to receive emergency care for burns and money every year for the rest of your life to maintain your health after suffering such a severe injury. Many people with serious burns fail to understand at the time of their injury the lifetime care such injuries generate require.
Understanding the possible consequences of serious burn injuries can help those adjusting to their own injury or trying to support a loved one.