$Unique_ID{BRK00268}
$Pretitle{Accidents, Poisoning, and Violence}
$Title{Should Severe Foot Burns Be Treated in the Hospital?}
$Subject{burn feet hospital treatment}
$Volume{O-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Should Severe Foot Burns Be Treated in the Hospital?


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QUESTION:  I spilled a plate of terribly hot soup, and severely burned my
feet.  I visited my doctor for care but he wants to put me in the hospital.
What do you think?

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ANSWER:  I think that the doctor knows something you don't.  That sometimes
happens!  Burns to the feet and hands are nothing to take lightly; they too
are vital parts of the body, and we put them to hard and constant use.  With
never ending depands placed upon them, the healing process is delayed and made
more difficult.  Healing can be helped by strict bed rest, foot elevation, and
dressing changes--can you accomplish this at home according to your doctor's
orders?  Foot burns are classified as major by the American Burn Association
and complications seem to arise more frequently in outpatients than for those
immediately admitted to the hospital.  One of the complications is edema,
(swelling of the foot) which frequently occurs in foot burn victims who delay
admission to the hospital, and this extra fluid in the area that is trying to
heal slows down the process.  Edema can be avoided by absolute bed rest and
foot elevation, difficult to accomplish at home.  There are many other
services at the hospital as well, where frequent dressing changes,
physio-therapy, and laboratory tests make caring for your injury, and
preventing unwanted complications a more easily accomplished task.  I don't
believe in unnecessary hospitalizations, but when the patient is more
comfortable and the treatment more effective, when results are more certain
and the cure is a bit quicker, than my vote must go along with that of your
own physician.  Remember one thing however.  If you could follow all the
instructions, and had someone to aid you, you could make a case for staying
home.  As with every major medical decision, the choice lies with the informed
patient.  Whatever your decision, here's a wish for a speedy recovery.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
