Article: The combination of burn damage, skin grafting, and/or surgery can leave you in a great deal of pain. Depending on the nature of your wound, you may be prescribed topical, oral, or injectable pain medications. Powerful pain medications can also lead to dependency such as opioid addiction so follow your dosing plan to the letter and report any problems to your doctor. Signs of addiction to pain medications can include changes in sleep patterns and daily habits; drowsiness or lethargy; reduced concern for basic hygiene; personality changes; weight loss and reduced appetite; and persistent flu-like symptoms. Both of these dressings help hydrate and protect burn wounds, and are frequently prescribed for a wide range of burn injuries. If your doctor prescribes one of them as part of your wound care regimen, make sure you fully understand how to apply and change them. Hydrocolloid dressings are simple, one-piece, sticky patches that provide a water-resistant barrier and a gel coating for the wound. Each patch can last for 3-5 days. These are more common for mild or moderate burns. Hydrogel dressings contain a hydrating polymer that must be wrapped loosely with a gauze bandage to remain in place. A single dressing can last for up to 4 days. They are more commonly prescribed for blistering wounds. It takes a lot of energy for your body to heal itself, so you need to provide it with additional healthy fuel while you recover. Protein is a great fuel for healing, so increase your intake of lean meats, nuts, beans, yogurt, eggs, tofu, and soy products. Vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc can also help with wound healing. Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables especially citrus for vitamin C and dark leafy greens for vitamin A and add seafood, fortified grains, and red meats for zinc. Your doctor may also recommend a multivitamin or similar nutritional supplement. Consult a registered dietician for help in crafting the best wound healing diet for you. As you heal from your burn, you may find that your mobility and coordination are impaired by tissue damage, nerve damage, scar tissue, and chronic pain. Regular sessions of physical therapy can help improve your quality of life as you recover. A burn to your palm, for instance, can cause permanent damage that requires extensive physical therapy and training to use your hand again. Also, even as your physical scars slowly begin to fade, the emotional scars of a traumatic burn injury can last for a long time. You may benefit from psychological therapy sessions with a licensed mental health professional, or perhaps by joining a support group for burn victims.

What is a summary?
Follow your recommended pain management plan. Apply hydrocolloid or hydrogel dressings as prescribed. Eat a high protein diet and increase nutrient intake. Seek therapy for your physical and emotional needs.