Keeping Confident and Cool in the Summertime Following a Burn Injury

– Cindy Rutter, RN, BSN, LMFT 

Experiencing a burn injury can be one of the most devastating events to happen to an individual’s body. The physical impact is overwhelming requiring acute medical care but the psychological impact can also be equally devastating. Learning to deal with the scars that are left on your body can take time and work to build back your self-confidence. I speak from my own personal experience of having sustained a burn injury at the age of 6 from a housefire that left me with scars over 85% of my body.  Without question, it has been a journey with many ups and downs. I am happy to say that I love my life and am grateful that I can share a bit of insight with you. 

A burn injury despite the size can change the way a body looks and feels leaving behind scarring after skin grafting is done to heal the body. Learning to embrace your body and all the scars takes time and it can take a toll on your self-confidence and body image. Unless, you have scars yourself, it can be difficult to understand what actually goes into wearing those scars every day. 

Frequently, individuals who have experienced a burn injury also experience body image struggles in the beginning. It takes time to adjust to the new body that you may now have. It can help to talk to other survivors who are further along in their journey following a burn injury. Changes in physical appearance can cause grief and sadness. Having negative body image can affect people of any age, gender, or race. However, individuals living with scars may be more concerned about their appearance in summer.  Peer support is very beneficial as is reaching out to a therapist to work through some of your feelings regarding body image.  

Living in San Diego, CA in the summertime means shorts, swimming pools, beach time and for many men and women wearing  shorts or a bathing suit can be overwhelming as it means revealing scars on their bodies. This can mean that summer is a difficult  time for many. Living in such a look-oriented society can be difficult to face if you have a physical difference.  Human beings are naturally curious and will stare at someone  with an unusual scar and this can lead to an individual feeling uncomfortable.  Even the most positive and confident person can take pause as to why they are wearing what they are to reveal their scars when someone is staring.  Staring can magnify someone’s insecurities and make them question their decision making.  

Learning to embrace your scars and loving them can take time. Your scars do not define who you are but they most definitely are part of who you are. Everyone wants to look their very best as that also makes us feel more comfortable with who we are. I want to remind you that there are no “perfect” human beings no matter what you see in social media. I frequently try to remind other survivors that you hold the “power” in your journey and don’t let another human  make you feel “less than.” Rehearse your response to potential questions that may be asked regarding your scars. You determine how much you want to share regarding your story. 

Every burn survivor processes their trauma differently and in their own time and their own way. Whether you choose to bare your heart, soul and your scars in shorts or at the beach/pool in a bathing suit is entirely up to you and no one can make that decision for you. You are the one that must feel comfortable in your decision, no one else. I will never forget as a grown woman the first time I decided to wear a sleeveless dress and even though I had been living with my burns for many years it was a process and one that at the time was a bit uncomfortable. Being comfortable revealing your scars may take time and there is nothing wrong with the way you decide to do it. Don’t ever allow anyone else to push you or make the decision for you. You decide when it is the right time.  

 A few summer tips for burn survivors that I would like to point out are: 

1. Be Sun Safe: 

Your burn injured skin makes you more sensitive to the sun and potential sun damage. Follow your individual doctor’s medical advice as to when you can be in the sun.  

• Be sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. 
• If possible wear sun smart clothing. 
• Hats, umbrellas and shade are definitely helpful 

2. Stay Hydrated: 

• Drink lots of water during outdoor activities as you don’t want to become dehydrated. 

3. Temperature Regulation: 

• Due to your burn injury, you potentially may have trouble regulating your body temperature, so be sure to be aware if you are becoming overheated while outdoors. 

I want you to remember all that you have gone through to still be here and to enjoy every moment of your life. You are alive, valuable, and a SURVIVOR. You deserve to live your life how you want to live it, wear what you want, and to enjoy this life  for all it is and all it has to offer. Most importantly feel good about who you are. 

Resources: 

Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors 

Model Systems Translation Center