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Burns/2nd or 3rd degree burn

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Expert: Jim B - 10/30/2008


Question
Hi.  I burned my arm on a pot lid about 3 weeks ago.  It didn't hurt for the first 3 days and looked to be healing. On the 4th day, I noticed the skin was peeling.  After that, things got worse.  I put Polysporin on it and covered it with gauze.  It became badly infected.  It turned a dark green and the area around it became a bright red.  My arm was twice the size and it was spreading.  I went to the hospital, and got antibiotics.  Now that the infection has cleared up, it is constantly leaking.  It is a white brownish color.  I change the gauze 10 times a day.  This burn is on my inside forearm.  About two quarters long.  How long will this take to heal and is this normal?  Should I cover it still? Polysporin?  Can I wet it yet? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Shana,

I would say that it has a way to go before it will be considered healing. You might see the doctor for a prescription for Silvadene or sulfamyalon cream until the would begins to close again. At this point I suspect it has become a third degree injury due to the infection.

Jim

Burns

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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.

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