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Burns/Muffler Burn
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Question
Hi Jim,
I got burned by a muffler about two months ago, and I was wondering what the average recovery period is. I know it takes a long time for the skin to heal and look "normal" again. My burn is about 2 inches wide and it is white around the edges but still gets really red and pinkish in the middle. I am putting Eucerin on it and covering with a bandage cloth the doctor at the burn clinic gave me. Is this normal for the skin to still be red/pink? I feel like sometimes it looks like it's healing and then it gets inflammed again. Is there anything else I should be doing?
Please let me know if there is anything else I should be doing - or if I should just wait for it to heal.
Thank you!
Hi Katheryn,
Keep using the doctr's recommended treatment and change the dressing at least daily. It sounds like there was a minor infection as well but as long as the burn does not have any open areas developing it should heal. Keep theskin moist with neosporin or a good skin protective cream like A&D cream or Eucerine. Keep it covered untill the skin develops the same texture as the surrounding skin. The color may be off for several months to a year, but hang in there! Give it a chance to change. If any open areas develop see the doctor again as this would sound like and infection.
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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