What is one potential long-term complication of severe burns?

A potential long-term complication of severe burns is an increased risk of joint contractures. Severe burns can lead to scarring and changes in the skin and underlying tissues, which can restrict the movement of joints and result in contractures. This occurs when the skin and surrounding tissues tighten and limit the normal range of motion, often leading to functional impairment in the affected area.

In contrast, improvement in skin elasticity, psychological resilience, and reduction in pain sensitivity are not typical long-term outcomes of severe burns. Skin elasticity may actually decrease due to scarring, and while some individuals may develop psychological resilience as a coping strategy, it is not a guaranteed outcome for everyone who has experienced severe burns. Pain sensitivity can also be altered, but a reduction is not a universal response; many burn survivors continue to experience pain and sensitivity in and around the burn areas.