Recovery From a Third Degree Burn

Suffering a third-degree burn is a painful and traumatic event, whatever the cause of it. For serious burns, the recovery process can take weeks, even months. You might have had to undergo a skin graft to cover the wound. Healing burns can take time, so it's important to be patient. However, there are steps you can take to aid your recovery.

Instructions

• 1

  Drink lots of water. If you have suffered third-degree burns, you will have lost a lot of vital body fluids. While in the hospital, you were probably given intravenous fluids to replenish what you lost. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to continue the healing process.

• 2

  Eat a balanced diet. This will help strengthen your immune system, enabling your body to fight infection and repair damaged cells. Include fruits and vegetables in your diet to provide your body with a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Protein and an adequate amount of calories is especially important while your burns are healing. If you cannot eat solid foods, drink nutritional supplements to ensure you receive plenty of calories each day. Talk with your doctor about your specific nutritional needs.

• 3

  Exercise the affected area. As the skin heals, the scar tissue tightens toward the center of the wound. Over the long term this can decrease the amount of mobility you have around the area, particularly if it is over a joint. Exercising and stretching the affected area regularly will prevent this from happening. Consult with a physical therapist for the exercises you should be doing for your particular injury.

• 4

  Take any medication your doctor prescribes you. For a third-degree burn, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics to fight any potential infections and painkillers to relieve discomfort associated with your injury. Always consult your doctor before stopping medication or trying any alternative medication designed to heal your wounds or relieve pain.

• 5

  Talk with a therapist. Suffering a third-degree burn doesn't just take its toll physically; it also can have emotional effects. If you are feeling anxious or depressed about the burn or any changes to your appearance, a psychiatrist may help you through this time. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, massage therapy might be helpful in relieving some of the pain and anxiety associated with severe burns during the healing process.