Severe Burns: Treatment Options and Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Severe burns affect over 450,000 Americans annually, with approximately 40,000 requiring hospitalization for intensive care. These devastating injuries pose unique treatment challenges, from managing infection risk to minimizing long-term scarring and functional impairment. While standard burn care protocols remain essential, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has shown promising results in enhancing recovery. Studies indicate it can reduce edema by up to 50% within 24 hours of injury and decrease hospital stays by an average of 20-30% in severe cases. 

By delivering concentrated oxygen under pressure, HBOT helps combat tissue hypoxia, stimulates new blood vessel formation, and strengthens the body’s natural healing response. For burn specialists seeking to optimize patient outcomes, this therapeutic approach offers a valuable complement to conventional treatments, particularly in cases involving deep tissue damage or compromised circulation.

Understanding Severe Burns

Severe burns can damage multiple layers of skin and underlying tissues, leading to pain, fluid loss, and increased risk of infection. Burns are classified into degrees based on severity:

• First-Degree Burns: Affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis).
• Second-degree burns: Extend into the dermis, causing blisters and severe pain.
• Third-degree burns: Penetrate deeper tissues, potentially damaging nerves and blood vessels.
  

Severe burns often require intensive care to prevent complications and promote healing.

Traditional Treatment Options for Severe Burns

Treatment for severe burns typically includes:

• Wound Care: Cleaning and dressing the burn to prevent infection.
• Pain Management: Medications to reduce discomfort and inflammation.
• Skin Grafts: Transferring healthy skin to cover damaged areas.
• Rehabilitation: Physical therapy to restore mobility and strength.
  

While these methods are effective, recovery can be prolonged, and complications such as infections and delayed healing may occur.

How HBOT Enhances Burn Treatment

Improving Oxygen Delivery to Damaged Tissue

HBOT increases oxygen levels in the blood, delivering vital oxygen to burned tissues with reduced circulation. This supports faster tissue repair and regeneration.

Reducing Inflammation and Swelling

HBOT minimizes swelling around burn injuries, promoting a better healing environment and reducing pain.

Supporting Skin Graft Success

For patients undergoing skin grafts, HBOT enhances graft survival by improving oxygenation and blood flow to the affected area.

Fighting Infections

The oxygen-rich environment created during HBOT inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria and boosts the effectiveness of antibiotics, reducing infection risks.

Benefits of HBOT for Severe Burns

1. Accelerated Healing
   HBOT stimulates tissue regeneration and blood vessel growth, reducing recovery time and improving outcomes.
   
2. Improved Pain Management
   By reducing inflammation, HBOT helps manage pain and discomfort associated with severe burns.
   
3. Prevention of Long-Term Complications
   HBOT minimizes the risk of complications such as scarring, contractures, and chronic wounds, helping patients regain their quality of life.
   

What to Expect During HBOT Treatment

During HBOT, patients relax in a pressurized chamber while breathing pure oxygen. Sessions typically last 90 minutes and are repeated multiple times per week, depending on the severity of the burns. The process is non-invasive and comfortable, with most patients reporting noticeable improvements early in the treatment.

Take the Next Step Toward Recovery

Severe burns require specialized care and innovative treatments to ensure the best outcomes. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy offers a proven solution to accelerate healing, reduce complications, and restore quality of life. At HealOx Health, we’re committed to providing personalized HBOT solutions for burn patients.

Contact us today at 248-357-5000 or request an appointment online.

Experience the benefits of HBOT and take the first step toward a faster, more complete recovery!