What does recovery look like for a burn victim?

A burn injury can cause intense pain and physical scarring and require a lifetime of rehabilitation. Recovery from a burn often involves grueling medical treatment and therapy.

Relying on your family and friends for support can facilitate your progress throughout your experience. Knowing some of what to expect during your recovery can help you prepare for the long road ahead.

Physical recovery

Categorized as a “severe” injury, burns require immediate medical attention. According to The Mayo Clinic, you may need treatment at a designated burn center if your burn injury meets the criteria including the following:

• The burned area includes your face or groin
• The burned area exceeds 10% of your body
• You have deep burns

Some of the symptoms you could experience because of your burn include scarring and contractions. Damage to the natural healing elements of your skin can make it unlikely that your skin will cover your wounds. Rather, it relies on the surrounding skin to do that job and your injury might appear smaller over time. However, this symptom often limits your movement and can make normal tasks painful and time-consuming.

The color changes of your burns are another symptom you may notice. The redness and inflammation that often accompany a new burn will eventually fade. Perspiration and noticeable post-burn sensations might also impact your personal injury recovery.

Emotional recovery

The emotional recovery from a traumatic injury can take years. You could even need therapy for the rest of your life if it helps you effectively manage the triggers you experience. If you do not address the emotional impact of your injury, you could develop mental illnesses including anxiety and severe depression. Acknowledging that a severe injury also affects your emotional health can help you determine the type of support you need to make an optimal and successful recovery. Contact a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer for help.