How to Deal with Burns and Pain
Skin burns are among the most painful injuries for both children and adults. Fortunately, effective pain management among burn patients is possible with modern medicine.
The types, dosage and duration of pain medications for burn injuries will depend on several factors including the:
- Location and severity of the burn
- Cause of the burn
- Pain tolerance of the patient
Strong pain medication is necessary for burns in sensitive areas while over-the-counter painkillers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin, are sufficient for first- and second-degree burns in less sensitive areas. Narcotic pain medications are crucial for effective pain relief for larger and deeper second-degree burn injuries.
Patients should also be honest about the causes for their burns because doctors will prescribe different pain medications for each cause. Hydration is a must for electrical burns while topical antibiotics and analgesics (e.g., Demerol, Vicodin, and Morphine sulphate) are required for thermal burns. Chemical burns are typically treated with a combination of calcium and magnesium salts as well as topical antibiotics.
Mild to moderate pain can be relieved with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. These include ibuprofen for initial therapy and then Anaprox, Ansaid, and Naproxen for subsequent dosages.
Doctors at the Healthpointe clinics, such as the Colton clinic, will also prescribe topical antibiotics, which will prevent bacterial infections in the affected area; the Colton clinic is also open for patients from the Rialto, Bloomington, San Bernardino, Loma Linda, Highgrove, and Grand Terrace areas. The most common topical medications include Neosporin for the treatment of minor infections and Silvadene for the prevention and treatment of fungal infections.
Burns are first decontaminated to lessen the risks for infections. A standard IV fluid and pain medication, such as narcotic therapy, will be prescribed.
It must be emphasized that effective pain management in burn patients can be challenging for several reasons. Each burn patient will have unique pain characteristics including the intensity (i.e., mild to severe), patterns (i.e., waxing and waning including duration), and components. The level of pain may decrease or increase depending on factors including replacement of dressing, cleansing of wounds, and giving of painkillers.
The good news: As the burns heal, the pain will gradually and significantly lessen. Patients can experience feelings of numbness and tightness as well as tingling or burning in their skin as the wounds heal and the skin regenerates.
Come to our Healthpointe clinics such as the La Mirada clinic, which is conveniently located near Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and and Santa Fe Springs, for your needs in effective pain management.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including La Mirada, which is conveniently located by Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Santa Fe Springs. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.