Surgery and Other Procedures of Burn
In the case of severe burns, debridement and skin grafting may be performed. Debridement is the removal of dead tissue. In skin grafting, a piece of skin is surgically sewn over the burn, after any dead tissue is removed. The skin can be from another part of the person's body, from a donor, or from an animal (usually a pig). Skin grafts from the person's own body are permanent. Artificial skin may also be used. Cosmetic surgery may be done to improve both the function and appearance of the burned area.
Nutrition and Dietary Supplements
Minor burns can be treated with natural products. Severe burns, however, always require immediate medical attention. It is especially important for people who have been seriously burned to get enough nutrients in their daily diet. Burn patients in hospitals are often given high calorie, high protein diets to speed recovery.
Do not try to treat a second or third degree burn by yourself. Always seek medical advice. Ask your doctor which supplements are best for you. Always tell your health care provider about the herbs and supplements you are using or considering using, as some supplements may interfere with conventional treatments.
Following these tips may improve your healing and general health.
* Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes), and vegetables (such as squash and bell peppers). One study found that high doses of vitamin C post burn reduced fluid requirements by 40%, reduced burn tissue water content 50%, and reduced ventilator days.
* Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
* Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold water fish, tofu (soy) or beans for protein.
* Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
* Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
* Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
* Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
The following supplements may also help. Be sure to ask your doctor before taking them if your burns are moderate or severe:
* A daily multivitamin, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins and trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium.
* Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tablespoonful oil, 1 - 2 times daily, to help decrease inflammation, and for healing and immunity. Cold water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources, but you may need a supplement to get a higher dose. Omega-3 fatty acids can interact with blood thinning medications such as Coumadin (Warfarin) and aspirin.
Vitamin C (1,000 mg 2 - 6 times per day) helps skin heal by enhancing new tissue growth and strength. Lower dose if diarrhea develops. Vitamin C should be used only under a physician's guidance in patients with cancer, certain blood iron disorders, kidney stones, diabetes, and a metabolic deficiency called "glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency" (G6PDD).
Nutrition and Dietary Supplements
Minor burns can be treated with natural products. Severe burns, however, always require immediate medical attention. It is especially important for people who have been seriously burned to get enough nutrients in their daily diet. Burn patients in hospitals are often given high calorie, high protein diets to speed recovery.
Do not try to treat a second or third degree burn by yourself. Always seek medical advice. Ask your doctor which supplements are best for you. Always tell your health care provider about the herbs and supplements you are using or considering using, as some supplements may interfere with conventional treatments.
Following these tips may improve your healing and general health.
* Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes), and vegetables (such as squash and bell peppers). One study found that high doses of vitamin C post burn reduced fluid requirements by 40%, reduced burn tissue water content 50%, and reduced ventilator days.
* Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
* Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold water fish, tofu (soy) or beans for protein.
* Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
* Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
* Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
* Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
The following supplements may also help. Be sure to ask your doctor before taking them if your burns are moderate or severe:
* A daily multivitamin, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins and trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium.
* Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tablespoonful oil, 1 - 2 times daily, to help decrease inflammation, and for healing and immunity. Cold water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources, but you may need a supplement to get a higher dose. Omega-3 fatty acids can interact with blood thinning medications such as Coumadin (Warfarin) and aspirin.
Vitamin C (1,000 mg 2 - 6 times per day) helps skin heal by enhancing new tissue growth and strength. Lower dose if diarrhea develops. Vitamin C should be used only under a physician's guidance in patients with cancer, certain blood iron disorders, kidney stones, diabetes, and a metabolic deficiency called "glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency" (G6PDD).
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