How To Treat Burns, Beyond The Diet

Second-and third-degree burns that cause blistering and tissue damage are very serious; they have a high risk of becoming infected by germs that enter the body through the damaged skin. Burn victims also require extra fluids, sodium, and potassium to replace those substances that seep out through damaged skin. If this is not done, there is a danger of dehydration.

Nutrition Connection

To promote healing and tissue repair, it is essential for victims of extensive burns to have a well-balanced diet that provides extra calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Here’s how:

-Seek foods for tissue repair. A diet that provides extra calories, protein, and zinc is needed for tissue repair. Zinc is found in seafood, meat, and poultry and in lesser amounts in eggs, milk, beans, nuts, and whole grains. Zinc is essential for wound healing and also bolsters the body’s immune defenses to fight infection.

-Boost skin health. Fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and melons may help maintain healthy skin and ward off infection. Often liquid supplements are necessary to maintain a high-calorie intake during the day.

-Stay hydrated. Noncaffeinated and nonalcoholic beverages help replace lost fluids. Most people need at least 4 to 6 glasses of water a day to stay properly hydrated. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol. Caffeinated beverages have a diuretic effect that accelerates fluid loss. Alcohol dehydrates the body and lowers immunity.

Beyond the Diet
Depending on the severity of the burn, the needs of the person will vary. Victims hospitalized with extensive burns are usually given intravenous fluids and antibiotics. If they are unable to eat, they will also be fed intravenously.