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Managing Pain After Burn Injury

Pain is a common, often long-term challenge for burn survivors, but it can be managed with the right approach and support.

Pain can affect every part of life—sleep, work, mood, and healing. Understanding the types of pain and how to treat them is the first step toward managing them effectively.


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What to Know About Burn Pain

Pain after a burn injury is more than just physical discomfort; it can profoundly affect daily life. Even after wounds heal, many people experience ongoing pain that disrupts sleep, emotional well-being, work, and social activities. 

Key things to remember:

  • Burn pain is complex and requires a personalized treatment plan. 

  • A minor burn can be more painful than a larger one. 

  • Pain management may include both medication and non-medication options. 

  • A team approach, including doctors, therapists, and psychologists, often works best. 

Types of Pain You Might Experience

Burn pain is different for everyone, but health care providers generally ask about these types: 

Acute Pain

Short-term, intense pain—often during wound care or therapy.

Breakthrough Pain

Comes and goes throughout the day.

Resting Pain

Constant background pain, even when inactive.

Chronic Pain

Lasts longer than 6 months after wounds heal.

Neuropathic Pain

Caused by nerve damage—can feel like burning, tingling, stabbing, or pins and needles.

You might also be asked to describe your pain by: 

Intensity

0-10 scale range

Duration

How long does it last?

Timing

When it worsens (e.g., night or with movement)

Quality

How it feels (e.g., aching, stinging)

Impact

How much it affects your mood or activities.

Treatment Options

Medications

  • Over-the-Counter (OTC): Acetaminophen, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)—use only under supervision. 

  • Opioids: Short-term use only. Effective for acute pain, not chronic pain. Can be addictive. 

  • Anticonvulsants: Gabapentin or pregabalin—used for nerve pain or itching. 

  • Antidepressants: Can help with both chronic pain and sleep. 

  • Sleep Aids: Melatonin may help when pain affects sleep. Ask your doctor. 

Behavioral Approaches

  • Physical Activity: Safe movement reduces pain and boosts mood. 

  • Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation. 

  • Pacing: Gradually increase activity without overexertion. 

  • Cognitive Techniques: Reshape thoughts about pain—cognitive restructuring. 

  • Mindfulness & Hypnosis: Mindfulness meditation and self-hypnosis have been shown to help. 

Coping Strategies That Make a Difference

Pain affects both the body and the mind. How you cope can change how much the pain interferes with your life. 

There are two effective coping styles: 

Changing the situation

Taking action through rehab, exercises, and treatment.

Changing how you respond

Accepting what’s out of your control and focusing on what you can do.

Avoid coping styles that focus on "giving up"—these can lead to withdrawal or depression. A mental health provider can help guide healthy coping approaches. 

Related Resources

Find a Burn Center
Sleep Problems After Burn Injury
Psychological Distress After Burn Injury
Outpatient Opioid Management
Survivor Support

Disclaimer 

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to your health care provider about emotional health and available support during recovery.