Burns
"Sunburn", heals quickly
Superficial (1st degree) burn
What are some OT treatments in the acute phased of burn rehab?
Exercises, edema management, splinting in "safe position"
"past the dermis into the subcutaneous layers" variable healing time
Full-thickness burn
What kind of splint minimizes skin contracture around the mouth?
Microstomia
"deep into the dermis", 21 days to heal, scarring, sensory changes, sweating changes
deep partial-thickness (2nd degree) burn
What are some OT treatments in the rehab phase of burns?
Exercise, stretch, compression garments, overlay splints, addressing psychosocial concerns
"blister" 14 days to heal, possible pigment changes
superficial partial thickness
Education on warm environments include:
sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hats, light, loose clothing, spray bottles to help stay cool, avoid vasoconstriction substances such as smoking
dead skin tissue that remains attached to the wound
Eschar
Education on cold environments include:
Keep vehicles well maintained, have a cell phone, keep food in vehicle, keep blankets and warm clothes available, use mittens (not gloves), insulated waterproof boots, avoid vasodilating and vasoconstricing substances - alcohol; cigarettes
What are the three phases to burn recovery?
1. Acute care
2. Surgical/postoperative care
3. Rehab (inpatient and outpatient)
What is the safe position?
wrist ext= 30, MCP flx = 50-70, IPs full ext
*Use gauze rather than straps