About Jim B Expertise I can answer a variety of questions concerning the physical care of burns and burn patients which commonly are of interest to both patients and their families. Also I may be helpful in suggesting lifestyle modifications which will help with a more complete recovery from a serious burn. I can also accept questions regarding the physical classifications of burns and the implications regarding the size, depth, and location of burns. What I cannot answer based on my own knowledge and experience I can refer to my current and former collegues in the field including the plastic and trauma surgeons and burn recovery organizations. In many of these cases I will provide a line of communication directly to a specific expert or organization. While I can describe general treatments routines with which I am experienced,I cannot answer questions dealing with specifuc diagnosis of conditions or problems. Additionally, please understand that the area of burn treatments is an experimental one in which there is constant progress and change. Each Burn Center invests a major effort in the development of new materials, treatments, medications, and techniques. In this area of constant change and growth no one can be fully aware of all treatment courses employed.
Experience I am a licensed Paramedic and have also worked as a wound technician in a large regional Burn Center in a Trauma Level 1 hospital. I have experience in the areas of burn evaluation and care, both long-term and immediate first aid. I have also worked as a volunteer couselor with post-burn patients dealing with issues ranging from life-style changes to re-entering the world as a serious burn survivor.
Education/Credentials BA Economics and Biology, AA Health Care Management, EMT-P licensed in Missouri, ABLS (Advanced Burn Life Support)qulification, ACLS-EP (Advanced Cardiac Life Support-Experienced Provider), Former National Ski Patrol Winter Emergency Care Instructor and Senior Evaluator, Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic Instructor.
Hi,
the other day i got some really bad sunburn on my shoulders and I've noticed that on my sunburn an smooth pinkish risen area has shown up (picture is attached). I have searched around the web hoping to find out what it is but i have found no results. Could you possibly tell me what this could be and what i can get for treatment?
Answer Hi Kim,
I would say it is contact dermatitis. A fancy way of saying an allergic reaction which was made more severe by the sun burn. So to continue the the technical side "allergic dermatitis exacerbated by sunburn." So what caused it? (Still guessing here!) Probably a cream, soap, lotion, medicine (oral,topical, or injected) or an insect bite. Things to check that might have caused this: New clothes washing soap? New fabric softener? new body wash or soap? New medicine? New/unusual food? I think you get the picture! But these bumps seem to be hives.
As to treatment, Topical steroid creams should help along with oral Benadryl (diphenhydramine is the generic name) along with keeping the area out of the sun should help straighten things out quickly.
)