Victims with full thickness burns, as discussed here, on their arms and legs experience tremendous swelling from the fluids necessary to heal. The swelling puts pressure on the nerves and tissues of the healthy sections of the burned limbs. The pressure may cause a complete loss of blood flow and tissue damage to the
Dealing with Pain: Virtual Reality Devices Assist Burn Victims
When burn victims are resting (most of the time), opioids (morphine and morphine-related chemicals) are adequate for controlling their burn pain. In sharp contrast, during wound care such as daily bandage changes, wound cleaning, staple removals etc., opioids are not enough, not even close. 
Researchers at Harborview Burn Center in Seattle have developed a
The Burn Pain Myth: “full thickness burns are not painful because the nerves are destroyed”.
Full thickness (third and fourth degree) burn victims suffer pain:
- Nerves may partially function.
- Burns on arms and legs cause swelling and pressure on the nerves and tissues of the healthy sections of the burned limbs.
- Repeated painful interventions to prevent infection and promote healing.
Burn pain worsens over time:
Unlike other types of
Partial Thickness and Full Thickness Burns
Overview of burn depths
Partial thickness burns:
First degree burns (superficial):
- May blister and peel in a few days (ie. sunburn).
- Heals in 3-6 days
- Generally no scarring
- Topical creams provide relief
- Antibiotics not needed
- Drink water
Second degree burns (deeper partial thickness):
- Blisters are typical.
- Heals in 14-21 days.
- Blisters provide