How do prevent contractures

You should hand wash the pressure garment, rinse, squeeze gently on a towel, and hang to dry. Do not use bleach or put the pressure garment in the dryer because this will damage the garment. Contractures occur when the burn scar matures, thickens, and tightens, preventing movement. A contracture is a serious complication of a burn. For example, your child may have difficulty doing normal things like dressing, walking, eating, or playing -- depending on where the scar contracture is located.

This will help prevent contractures and help your child become independent and confident. Most second- and third-degree burns do cause some degree of scarring, but there are several things that can be done to minimize scarring and to reduce contractures, including the following:. Splints should be worn on top of the pressure garment. Practicing range of motion exercises Range of motion ROM exercises help keep the muscles and joints of the burned limbs flexible.

Another is the adductor stretch: Your patient sits up against the head of the bed or on the floor against a wall. The amputated limb is positioned to the side as much as possible and the other leg bent, bringing the foot in towards the body.

Keeping both buttocks down, your patient places a hand on each thigh and pushes down gently until a stretch is in the back of the thigh. Remind the patient not to bounce and to not lift one buttock higher than the other.

The simplest exercise has your patient sitting up in bed or on the floor, with both legs straight out in front. Your patient then tightens the thigh muscles, pushing the back of the knees into the bed or floor. Hold this for 5 or 10 seconds, relax.

Knee flexion, for both legs, can also be helpful. Have your patient roll on to his or her stomach. Both thighs should be making contact with the bed or floor. Physical therapists will work with your child to prevent or reduce scarring. Wearing pressure garments can minimize scarring and help reduce pain. Children with deeper burns need pressure garments, which are tight-fitting clothes to be worn over burned areas to reduce scarring.

These must be worn 23 hours per day taken off only for bathing for up to 2 years after the burn. Your child should have at least 2 sets of pressure garments so one can be worn at all times while the other pair is being washed.

Hand wash the pressure garment, rinse, squeeze gently on a towel, and hang to dry. Don't use bleach or put the pressure garment in the dryer because this will damage the garment.

As your child grows, they many need to have new, larger garments. Vitamin E ointments and honey may help decrease scarring from second-degree burns. But there hasn't been a lot of research on how well these work.

Contractures occur when the burn scar matures, thickens, and tightens. This can prevent movement. It usually occurs when a burn occurs over a joint. A contracture is a serious complication of a burn. If your child gets a contracture, they will not be able to move the scarred area normally. For example, your child may have trouble doing normal things like dressing, walking, eating, or playing—depending on where the scar contracture is located.