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Burns/Facial Burn
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Question
Hello,
I'm a 25 year old woman who burnt her face on a clay heating pad. This happened at night and before I went to bed my skin was red where the pad had been but I assumed this was just hot skin from the heating pad. The next day around 1'ish I noticed tiny (pin prick sized) blisters forming and covered about a 2 1/2"X1" vertical area next to my mouth. The first five days I put neosporine on the wound but didn't cover it the blisters broke and released liquid that would harden on my face. I've never scratched or picked at my burn. For the past two days now I've been covering the burn completely with silvadine and a bandage and I've noticed a great improvement. The burn is still the same size. My skin however isn't peeling and the burn area is a pinkish color with a bumpy texture. I was just wondering if this skin texture will improve on its own by continuing to cover the burn with bandages and silvadine or have I ruined my skin!? I've now had this burn for a week there is no brown skin showing so I believe it is a first degree burn which my friend a nurse agreed to. I'm also confused because of the small blisters and rough texture of the burn could it really only be a first degree burn. Also,this burn actually has not caused any pain what so ever the first few days just immense itchiness and now occasional itchiness. Thank you for any help you could give me. I don't want a scar!:( I've you'd like me to I could also attach a image later for you.
Hi,
Sounds like a mild second degree burn. But it may have been infected as well. I would check with the doctor to make sure about this. Also be careful using the silvadene on your face as it can leave a permanent gray tint to the are where it ie used. See if the doctor wants to try something like bactoban as an alternative.
Jim
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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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