The primary goals of burn treatment are to alleviate pain, prevent infection, promote tissue repair, and reduce long-term sequelae. Treatment methods depend on the depth and extent of the burn. Mild burns can be improved through topical care, while deeper or special-site burns require combined therapies such as medications and surgery. The treatment process typically includes emergency management, debridement, anti-infection measures, and rehabilitation, with the ultimate goal of restoring skin function and appearance.
Physicians tailor individualized plans based on burn classification (first, second, third degree) and injury location (such as face, joints). Severe burns may require hospitalization, with monitoring of body temperature, blood pressure, and fluid-electrolyte balance to avoid complications like sepsis or organ failure.
1. Cryotherapy: Using low temperatures (4-10°C) for rinsing or cold compresses to halt ongoing thermal damage to tissues and reduce wound size. 2. Debridement: Removing necrotic tissue and foreign bodies to promote new cell growth. 3. Pharmacological Treatment: Antibiotic ointments to inhibit bacteria, growth factors to stimulate skin regeneration. 4. Surgical Treatment: Skin grafts or expanders to repair deep burns and restore function and appearance.
In terms of physiological mechanisms, medications accelerate repair through anti-inflammatory and healing-promoting effects, while surgery reconstructs tissue structures. Recent developments in biological dressings can mimic skin barriers, helping reduce water loss and infection risk.
Applicable to various thermal, chemical, or electrical burns, especially deep burns (second degree and above) or burns covering more than 10% of body surface area. Burns on critical sites such as the face, respiratory tract, or around joints require immediate treatment to prevent functional impairment. When complications like gas embolism or internal organ damage from electrical burns occur, multidisciplinary treatment is necessary.
Also suitable for chronic ulcers or radiation-induced skin injuries. However, differentiation between thermal injury and autoimmune skin diseases is essential to avoid misdiagnosis. If blisters rupture, high fever, or respiratory difficulty occurs post-burn, it is considered an emergency requiring prompt medical attention.
Topical medications are usually applied 2-3 times daily, such as silver sulfadiazine ointment, which should be covered and bandaged after application. Surgical procedures like skin grafts should be performed 48-72 hours after wound debridement, with graft size depending on injury severity. Intravenous antibiotics are dosed based on body weight, typically 10-20 mg/kg daily for adults.
Physical therapies such as compression garments should be worn over 18 hours daily for 6-12 months to prevent hypertrophic scarring. Different treatment modalities should be coordinated; for example, severe burns first require debridement and anti-infection measures, followed by surgical repair.
Biological dressings maintain a moist wound environment, promoting epithelial cell migration. Integrated treatments can reduce scar formation and improve quality of life. Targeted medications can also prevent antibiotic resistance caused by broad-spectrum use.
Possible allergic reactions such as urticaria from antibiotic ointments, with severe cases requiring discontinuation. Surgical risks include graft rejection or infection. Long-term use of steroid ointments may cause skin atrophy or capillary dilation.
Key Risk Alerts: Improper handling may lead to tissue necrosis spreading; prolonged cryotherapy (over 20 minutes) can cause frostbite. Patients with deep burns undergoing surgery, if not properly cared for, may develop deep tissue infections.
Contraindications include allergies to treatment components and bleeding disorders; invasive procedures should be avoided in such cases. Patients with diabetes or immunodeficiency require dose adjustments. Direct contact with ice is contraindicated as it may cause frostbite or tissue necrosis.
During treatment, avoid rupturing blisters or using folk remedies to prevent disrupting new tissue. Sun exposure within three months post-burn should be avoided to prevent pigmentation and scar worsening.
Concurrent use of steroids and antibiotics may increase infection risk; blood glucose and immune function should be monitored. Laser therapy should be spaced at least 4 hours apart from medication treatments. Anticoagulants should be paused before and after skin graft surgery to prevent bleeding complications.
Traditional Chinese medicine herbs like blood-invigorating and stasis-dispelling agents may affect wound healing and should be coordinated with Western medical treatments. For electrical burns with nerve damage, nerve repair therapy is recommended.
Clinical studies show that combining debridement and antibiotics can reduce infection rates from 45% to below 15%. One-year scar satisfaction after skin grafts reaches 78%, with joint mobility recovery as high as 92%. New growth factor gels can shorten healing to 7-10 days, outperforming traditional dressings that take 2-3 weeks.
Systematic reviews confirm that timely cryotherapy can reduce tissue damage by 30%, and pressure garment therapy can lower hypertrophic scar formation by 60%. However, treatment success is highly dependent on the timing; the optimal window is within 8 hours post-injury.
Traditional herbal dressings (such as Huang Bai, honey preparations) are still used in some regions but may increase infection risk. Negative pressure wound therapy (VAC therapy) promotes granulation tissue growth but requires daily dressing changes. Autologous skin cultivation and transplantation are developing but not yet widespread.
Untreated severe burns may lead to sepsis or organ failure; alternative therapies should be selected after medical evaluation. Non-invasive laser therapy can improve scars but progresses more slowly than traditional surgery.
Not necessarily. Close observation is required. If redness or itching persists for more than 24 hours, or if pus, fever, or other signs of infection appear, contact healthcare providers promptly for assessment. The doctor may adjust the ointment type or recommend short-term antihistamines to relieve discomfort.
After skin graft surgery for burns, how can I avoid affecting the graft site during daily activities?During the first 2 to 3 weeks post-surgery, avoid strenuous exercise or applying pressure to the grafted area, such as lifting heavy objects or excessive bending. Wear loose clothing to reduce friction, and follow medical advice for regular follow-up to monitor skin integration. If swelling or pain occurs at the graft site, report immediately to the medical team.
What non-drug methods can be used during the scar hypertrophy phase to reduce the appearance of raised scars?Silicone gel sheets can be applied continuously for 6 to 12 months, or scar repair creams containing vitamin E can be used daily. After complete wound healing, gentle massage around the scar (avoiding unhealed areas) and avoiding prolonged sun exposure can help reduce pigmentation and improve appearance.
During burn treatment, which nutrients should be emphasized in the diet to promote healing?High-protein foods (such as fish and soy products) and vitamin C (from citrus fruits and kiwifruit) should be prioritized to promote collagen synthesis. Zinc-rich foods (like pumpkin seeds and oysters) can accelerate tissue repair. Avoid excessive spicy or sugary foods to prevent delayed healing.
For patients with deep burns during the recovery phase, how can I determine if additional physical or occupational therapy is needed?If joint mobility is limited, muscle strength weakens, or daily activities (such as grasping objects) are significantly affected, consult a physician about referral to physical therapy. Generally, light rehabilitation should start 4 to 6 weeks after initial wound healing to prevent long-term stiffness or functional impairment.
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